I think this is just another way it's "like AirBnB". I assert the vast majority of AirBnB rentals break either local laws regarding guest houses or hotels, and/or the provisions of the lease in rented accommodation.
Perhaps this service can spare itself from liability from the unlicensed action of its users by including in the ToS "you must have all valid licenses required by your jurisdiction if you choose to charge for hosting a meal".
Edit: I would imagine thing become even more complicated if guests receive wine or other alcoholic drinks as part of the meal.
Oh my goodness, you're almost certainly right about the liquor. There are oodles of laws about who can get a liquor license, as well as what they can serve, to whom, and when. I believe that you're often not allowed to have an establishment that serves liquor within x distance of a church, hospital, or school. Go tell the people at 100 Main Street that they're not allowed to serve liquor to their patrons, but that the people at 150 Main Street are.
Imagine that you're running a Cookening site in your home. Are you allowed to serve wine to the children? (I realize that this is a non-issue in many countries, but it's a very serious one in the US.) What are the penalties for giving wine to the children?
Perhaps this service can spare itself from liability from the unlicensed action of its users by including in the ToS "you must have all valid licenses required by your jurisdiction if you choose to charge for hosting a meal".
Edit: I would imagine thing become even more complicated if guests receive wine or other alcoholic drinks as part of the meal.