United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Miami Beach hotels next city to arm hotel workers with panic buttons
Miami Beach lawmakers have agreed to arm hotel housekeeping staff with panic buttons to fight sexual and physical harassment.
The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously to the proposal after commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez proposed the measure last year.
Rosen Gonzalez sought the measure after saying she was sexually harassed.
"This is about changing inappropriate behavior in hospitality and it’s mostly men, I hate to say it. But guests have gotten away with this behavior for way too long," Rosen Gonzalez said.
The ordnance will take effect next summer however hotels will be given flexibility over the type of safety button or notification device they install.
Miami Beach hotels must also display a deterrent message inside each hotel room notifying guests that employees have access to panic buttons.
Hotels found not complying will be fined after an initial written warning.
"When you show this level of respect for employees you are going to get it back in so many non-tangible, non-financial ways," Rosen Gonzalez said.
Wendy Kallergis, president of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association said: We have a diverse mix of hotels in Miami Beach that include large corporate chains, limited service brands, boutiques and independent hotels…We will work closely with all of our hotels throughout the process."
Other cities which have adopted panic buttons for front-line hospitality workers include Chicago and Seattle.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darren Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls