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HOTREC ‘MEAL-SHARING’ PLATFORM POLICY PAPER – MAY 2018
Premises where guests are hosted should be safe and have satisfactory fire protection standards and equipment
Guests with reduced mobility and/or disabilities should enjoy same accessibility rights as legally required for
other similar commercial premises
Local authorities should consider the implications of increased frequency of visits by unknown people in private
residences, cooking activity and noise associated with increased frequency and volume of meals prepared in
private residences
Destination authorities should have an understanding of the commercial activity occurring within their jurisdiction,
especially where it has the potential to affect local residents’ quality of life
AREA REQUIRING ATTENTION:
LICENSING & PERMITS TO SERVE ALCOHOL
LIABILITY
Ensuring that hosts abide by rules on alcohol sales in their local area, including the need to obtain licences and
acknowledging their responsibility for public order (reducing noise and antisocial behaviour)
Clarification of the liabilities of hosts, online platforms and authorities, in accordance with existing EU and local
regulations
Basic liability should be ensured, including full responsibility for the food activities under the homes restaurants’
control
Implementation of adequate insurance mechanisms to cover hosts and guests. As the holders of data, platforms
should be more proactive in cooperating with authorities in ensuring a ‘responsible’ collaborative economy
The sale of alcohol is restricted in order to protect minors and ensure public order, and bars and restaurants have
a vital role to play in this. Hence they have to apply for licences and are held to account by strict rules relating
to the sale of alcohol which extend to areas such as the background and conduct of staff, the way alcohol is
promoted, the nature of the premises and the capacity to disturb local residents. In most cities, strict penalties
such as fines and withdrawal of licences are used against those who violate alcohol restrictions. Hosts supplying
alcohol in home restaurants are currently able to bypass these rules
The limits of liability of residential (or venue) property owners, those acting as hosts, online platforms and local
authorities are unclear, potentially putting consumer health and safety at risk
Insurance arrangements and the procedure for making official complaints relating to home restaurant activities
are largely undefined, with hosts and guests unaware of their rights and responsibilities
KEY POLICY CONSIDERATIONS:
KEY POLICY CONSIDERATIONS:
AREA REQUIRING ATTENTION:
AREA REQUIRING ATTENTION: