The New York City Council has voted to create a new licensing program for hotels.
Hotel Management Network reports the newly passed Safe Hotels Act will require hotel operators to obtain a two-year operating license for a $350 fee. Hotels must also maintain front desk coverage and a continuous on-site security guard presence, and daily room cleaning will be mandated unless guest volume declines.
The new law also calls for direct employment of hotel workers, with exemptions for small hotels with fewer than 100 rooms, and employees will now be equipped with panic buttons as a safety measure. Hotel staff will also be required to take courses to recognize human trafficking isutations.
Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, welcomed the new law by stating: “After hard-fought negotiation and necessary adjustments that exempt small hotels from onerous costs and all hotels from arbitrary licensing rules, the legislation passed today by the City Council will create a fair and practical standard for hotels that will protect both our industry and employees – and also provide the best possible experience for our guests so that New York City remains the world’s top travel destination.”
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