# Rules for hosting Airbnb Experiences and Services in New York City

This article can help you get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your service or experiences on Airbnb. It includes some high-level information about the rules that may apply to different sorts of activities and contains links to government resources that you may find helpful.

Please understand that this article isn't comprehensive and isn't legal advice. Some of the links in this article may or may not apply to your service or experience. If you're unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your service or experience, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.

**Note:** We don’t update this information in real time, so you should still consult with government resources or your legal counsel to confirm the most up-to-date laws and regulations. Airbnb is not responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third-party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).

## Alcohol guidelines for services and experiences in New York City

When including alcohol in your service or experience, prioritize the safety of your guests by refraining from serving alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age, those who will be driving or appear intoxicated, anyone who has indicated they have health issues related to alcohol, and participants in physically demanding activities. In some U.S. jurisdictions, selling alcohol requires a license or a hired caterer, and licenses are typically not available for private residences. If you plan to host a BYO (bring-your-own) event, you may need a license depending on local laws. Be aware of jurisdiction-specific restrictions on serving hours, advertising, and the use of powdered alcohol. Additionally, if your service or experience involves alcohol in public venues, further regulations may apply. Always consult with local alcohol regulators or legal experts to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and requirements.

## Food guidelines for services and experiences in New York City

Many U.S. jurisdictions have health and safety regulations that require a license or a permit to handle, prepare, and serve food to the general public. You should consult official sources—like local health departments or business regulatory offices—or seek legal advice on the food laws and other safety standards that may apply to you. Always handle, prepare, and serve food safely, and inquire about guests' food allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. Additionally, if you prepare food or ingredients before arriving at a guest's home, you likely need a catering license.

You may find the following links helpful:

- [New York City Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit](https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/temporary-food-service-establishment-permit)
- [New York City Temporary Food Establishment Food Safety Guidelines](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/business/food-operators/food-safety-guidelines.page)
- [New York City Food Service Establishment Permit](https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/food-service-establishment-permit)
- [New York City Food Protection Certificate](https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/food-protection-certificate)
- [New York Home Processor Exemption](https://agriculture.ny.gov/food-safety/home-processing)
- [New York City Non-Retail Food Processing Establishment](https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/nonretail-food-processing-establishment-permit)

## Public lands guidelines for services and experiences in New York City

In some U.S. jurisdictions, to take guests to public areas, monuments, beaches, or waterways, you may need a permit or license based on local, state, or national laws (each public land has specific regulations regarding allowable activities). It's essential to verify with park officials whether your service or experience is permitted and what type of permit might be necessary (requirements can vary by location and the nature of the service or experience). Additionally, you may incur fees to obtain permits and possibly need insurance, the specifics of which depend on the activity and governing entity. If your service or experience involves alcohol, special restrictions may apply, so it's crucial to ensure compliance with applicable laws. For any uncertainties, consult your local public lands authority or a legal professional to ensure you meet all safety, tax, and insurance requirements.

You may find the following links helpful:

- NYC and Surrounding Counties
  - NYC [Parks Special Event Permit](https://nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/parks/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fParks%2f)
  - NYC [Parks Temporary Use Authorization](https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/76/TUA-FAQ.pdf)
  - Nassau County [Special Event Permit](https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1794/Park-Permits)
  - Essex County [Special Event Permit](https://essexcountyparks.org/permits#permits-list)
  - [Westchester County Parks](https://parks.westchestergov.com/be-informed)
- New York State Lands
  - [Park Use Permit](https://parks.ny.gov/boating/forms.aspx)
  - [Temporary Revocable Permit](https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses)
  - [Outdoor Guide License](https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/licensed-guide-program)
  - [Party and Charter Boat License](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/saltwater-fishing/marine-permits-licenses/marine-district-party-charter-boat-license)
- Federal Lands
  - National Park Service: [Commercial Use Authorization](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cua/index.htm)
  - U.S. Forest Service: [Special Use Permit](https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/contracts-commercial-permits/special-use-permit-application) and [Outfitter and Guiding Permit](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/passes-permits/event-commercial/?cid=stelprdb5176933)
  - Bureau of Land Management: [Special Recreation Permit](https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/special-recreation-permits)
  - Fish and Wildlife Service: [Special Use Permit](https://www.fws.gov/service/special-use-permits-national-wildlife-refuges)

## Tour-guide guidelines for services and experiences in New York City

In many U.S. jurisdictions, you may need a license, certification, or training to lead tour-like experiences, as some locales have specific requirements for tour guides based on the type of experience or location. It's important to check with a lawyer to see if a license or permit is necessary. In New York City, individuals must possess a tour guiding license to conduct tours or lead visitors to public points of interest within the area. Regulations can vary by market, often including restrictions on licenses for foreigners, mandatory courses or tests for potential guides, and additional certifications for certain activities. Contacting local authorities will help you understand the specific licensing requirements and application procedures in your city.

You may find the following link helpful: [New York City Sightseeing Guide License](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-sightseeing-bus.page)

## Transportation guidelines for services and experiences in New York City

In many U.S. jurisdictions, you must have active insurance and registration for any vehicle used in a service or experience, whether or not you charge guests for rides. For ground transportation, a valid driver's license suitable for the vehicle class is required, while water transportation may necessitate operator certifications appropriate for the vessel and service type. Additionally, special licenses or permits, such as authorizations for motor carrier service, may be needed regardless of fees charged. To ensure compliance, it's advisable to consult a lawyer regarding potential license or permit requirements for your service or experience. Furthermore, transporting large groups, operating specific vehicle types, serving particular areas, conducting water transport in certain areas, or using advertising on your vehicle may require extra licenses or permits—including a commercial driver's license with specific endorsements—so checking with local transportation authorities and legal counsel is recommended.

You may find the following links helpful:

- [New York State Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)](https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/commercial-drivers/get-a-commercial-driver-license-cdl)
- [New York City For-Hire Base Licenses](https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/businesses/for-hire-vehicle-bases.page)
- [New York City TLC Drivers License](https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/get-a-tlc-drivers-license.page)
- [New York City Sightseeing Bus License](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-sightseeing-bus.page)
- [New York State Passenger Operating Authority](https://www.dot.ny.gov/passenger)
- [US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential](https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/)

**Note:** Airbnb has no control over the conduct of hosts and co-hosts and disclaims all liability. Failure of hosts or co-hosts to satisfy their responsibilities may result in suspension of activity or removal from the Airbnb platform.