Home-sharing company Airbnb on Thursday has banned party at its rental properties globally and capped occupancy at larger homes to 16 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The US-based company, releasing a statement on its website, said the ban on parties and events will be “in effect indefinitely until further notice.”

“Guests may be legally pursued by Airbnb if they violate our policy,” read the statement.

The crackdown on parties began last year as rowdy parties were causing problems with neighbours in some communities.

In November, the company banned “party houses” after a deadly shooting at a Halloween party with more than 100 guests at a California rental.

Airbnb said 73% of its global listings have already banned parties. The company has historically allowed hosts to permit guests to host smaller gatherings such as birthday parties.

After the outbreak of coronavirus, the home-sharing company removed the “event-friendly” tag from its search. It had asked customers to to adhere to local restrictions on gatherings in light of social distancing protocols.

But as local officials have cracked down on bars and social clubs, some activities have migrated to Airbnb homes, the platform said.

“We think such conduct is incredibly irresponsible — we do not want that type of business and anyone engaged in or allowing that behavior does not belong on our platform,” the company said.

Airbnb recently said it had seen bookings begin to “bounce back” and unveiled an initiative to promote short-range travel amid a broad slowdown in tourism.