NYC Council Passes Safe Hotels Act in 45-4 Vote, Requiring Hotel Licenses and Safety Measures

Oct 23, 2024, 08:28 PM

The New York City Council has passed the Safe Hotels Act, a bill requiring hotels in the city to obtain licenses to operate and implement safety measures such as providing panic buttons for staff. Co-sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin, the legislation passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 45-4 and aims to promote health and safety for hotel guests, workers, and the broader community. The bill brings New York City in line with other major cities that regulate hotel operations to ensure reasonable standards are met. Supporters, including the Hotel Trades Council and the Hotel Association of NYC, applaud the move as a significant step forward for public safety and worker rights. Critics, however, have labeled the bill a "nuclear bomb" on the industry, arguing that it imposes additional costs on hotel businesses. A previous version of the bill would have required hotels to directly employ most "core" staff, but the current version focuses on licensing and safety measures.