Here’s What NYC’s New Bill Means For The Future Of Hotels In The City
Changes are coming to the hotel industry as the New York City Council just passed the Safe Hotels Act in a 45-4 vote on October 23, 2024. So what does this mean for all industry stakeholders? Let’s get into it…
What is the Safe Hotels Act?
The Safe Hotels Act is a bill focusing on improving the safety of NYC hotels for both staff and guests. NYC hotels will now be required to acquire a license to legally operate.
A hotel license, good for up to two years, will cost operators a $350 fee. Hotel operators must comply with all licensing requirements or risk facing civil penalties.
How will the Safe Hotels Act affect hotel workers?
Hotel operators will now be mandated to:
- Ensure 24/hour staff coverage at front desks
- Have a security guard on the premise at all times when rooms are occupied (applicable to larger hotels only)
- Maintain cleanliness with daily cleanings of room (unless guest denies)
- Directly employ “core employees” (exception for hotels with less than 100 rooms)
- Provide human trafficking training to all core employees
- Equip all core employees with panic buttons
How will the Safe Hotels Act affect hotel guests?
Julie Menin, the sponsor of the bill, shared in a statement that the Safe Hotel Act’s public safety protections will ensure the security of hotel guests.
So the Safe Hotels Act passed in the Council. What comes next?
The bill will now go to Mayor Eric Adams for final approval. It is believed he will pass the Safe Hotels Act due to his close relations with the hotel union, who are in support of the bill.
However, the Safe Hotels Act is still facing opposition from certain hotel groups such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the NYC Minority Hotel Association, arguing it won’t fulfill its aim to make NYC hotels safer, while cutting jobs and primarily damaging minority-owned hotels.
The post Here’s What NYC’s New Bill Means For The Future Of Hotels In The City appeared first on Secret NYC.