NYC Council Approves Hotel Licensing Bill Amid Industry Controversy

The new legislation mandates licenses and stricter regulations for hotels, aiming to enhance public safety and labor conditions.

New York City Council passed the Safe Hotels Act, requiring hotels to obtain a $350 biannual license and comply with new safety and labor regulations.
The bill passed with a 45-4 vote after amendments were made to exempt smaller hotels with fewer than 100 rooms from certain staffing requirements.
Provisions include mandatory 24-hour front desk staffing, panic buttons for employees, and training to identify human trafficking.
Supporters argue the law will improve safety and labor conditions, citing past incidents of crime and poor working conditions in city hotels.
Critics, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, claim the bill unfairly targets larger hotels and could harm small and minority-owned businesses.