New York City mayor Eric Adams has signed into law the “Safe Hotels Act.”
It requires hotel operators to obtain licenses to operate hotels within the city.
To be licensed, hotels require front desk sfaffing 24/7 and at least one security guard on duty throughout.
Other requirements include supplying panic buttons for housekeeping staff and specific training to combat human trafficking.
New York City hotels would have to pay a $350 fee for a two-year license.
The Safe Hotels Act was opposed by the hotel industry went through several revisions.
One bone of contention was that housekeeping and front desk by employed directly with the hotel and not through labor contactors.
“Our top priority from day one has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city’s hotels,” Adams said.
“The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive and create jobs across the city.”
It is required for hotels with at least 100 rooms.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) said the Safe Hotels Act will do ‘irreparable harm’ to the city’s hotel industry.
