New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed a new law aimed at improving hotel safety, employee protections, and consumer standards in the city. The legislation, known as the Safe Hotels Act (Int. No. 0991-2024), introduces a comprehensive licensing system for hotels, imposes critical staffing requirements, and includes key consumer safety protections. The law represents a significant overhaul of the regulatory framework for the city’s hotel industry, as New York City’s tourism sector continues to recover post-pandemic.
“The safety of our workers and guests has always been a priority, and this law takes important steps toward ensuring that our city’s hotels are safe and equitable for everyone,” Mayor Adams stated. “This legislation strengthens protections for both the hardworking New Yorkers who run our hotels and the tourists who visit them.”
The Safe Hotels Act introduces several key provisions that hotel operators must follow to remain in compliance with the law:
Licensing Requirement: Starting in May 2025, all hotels in New York City will be required to obtain a license to operate. The license will be valid for two years and will cost $350. Hotel operators will need to demonstrate compliance with various operational and safety standards in their application. Violations of these licensing regulations could lead to significant fines, ranging from $500 for first-time offenses to $5,000 for repeat violations.
Staffing Standards: The new law mandates that hotels maintain continuous front desk coverage, either through front desk staff or, during overnight shifts, by a security guard trained to recognize signs of human trafficking. Large hotels (those with more than 400 rooms) will also be required to maintain 24/7 security guard coverage on the premises.
Additionally, the law specifies that large hotels must directly employ “core employees” for essential roles like housekeeping, front desk staff, and front service, eliminating the use of third-party contractors for these positions. This requirement applies to hotels with 100 or more rooms, while smaller establishments are exempt.
Hotel operators are also prohibited from retaliating against employees who report violations or refuse unsafe practices.
Consumer Protections: The law mandates that hotels maintain a high standard of cleanliness in guest rooms and common areas. Daily cleaning and trash removal must be provided unless specifically declined by guests. Hotels will no longer be allowed to charge fees for daily room cleaning or incentivize guests to forgo this service.
Employee Safety: The law introduces new safety measures for hotel workers, including providing panic buttons for employees whose job requires them to enter occupied guest rooms. Additionally, all core employees must complete human trafficking recognition training within sixty days of employment.
Hotel operators are advised to begin reviewing and updating their policies to align with the new requirements. This includes revising staffing structures, implementing updated staff training programs, and reviewing security protocols to ensure full compliance.
Additionally, hotels should be prepared to maintain a high level of cleanliness in guest rooms and to uphold employee safety standards, including providing panic buttons and ensuring proper human trafficking training.
The Safe Hotels Act marks a new chapter in New York City’s efforts to improve the safety and fairness of its hotel industry. By enacting these sweeping reforms, the city aims to better protect workers, prevent human trafficking, and improve the overall experience for hotel guests.
Read more:
Senator Brown’S Legislation Enhances Funding For EMS & Fire Services
Oklahoma School District Found In Violation Of Title Ix In Death Of Transgender Student
Samsara & Motive Clash In Court Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft And Patent Infringement