Question reference: S5W-28178
- Asked by: Gordon Lindhurst, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 31 March 2020
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 9 April 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, what its response is to reports that Airbnb and other similar businesses are continuing to list properties for rent, and what measures it has put in place to ensure that such businesses comply with its guidance.
Answer
The Scottish Government’s top priority is the health and safety of the people of Scotland. Regulations are now in force requiring anyone carrying on a business providing holiday accommodation to cease carrying on that business. The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 came into force on 26 March 2020. Regulation 4 requires providers of holiday accommodation to cease carrying on with their business during the emergency period, subject to very limited exceptions. Police officers have powers to enforce these regulations.