NYC hotel bill changes after avalanche of complaints

A bill that is going forward in the Town Council and that tries to make reforms to the nearly 700 hotels that in the Big Apple, has become the “apple of controversy”, and after criticism from members of the hospitality industry, the promoter of the piece of legislation, Counselor Julie Menin, just presented a new modified version. It is estimated that some 62 million visitors They come to town every year.

A member of the New York City legislature confirmed that she has decided to make changes to the original initiative, known as “Safe Hotels Act”after holding discussions with organizations such as the Hotel Trade Council (“HTC”) and the Hospitality Federation to amend the proposed articles.

The policy stated that the proposed changes address the problems expressed by restaurants, bars and nightlife venues, while maintaining provisions that seek to improve the health, safety and conditions of hotels for guests, employees and local communities, in an industry that, ‘ despite its economic impact, as one of the few that remains unregulated in terms of public safety, health, and the protection of consumers and workers.

Menin revealed that the NYPD received between 2019 and 2023 over 14,000 genuine complaints happened in hotels, and 39 murders since 2009, just as consumer complaints to the city’s Department of Consumer and Employee Protection about that business have doubled in the past five years. Some hotels have been subject to human trafficking and public safety issues.

Among the changes introduced by the bill’s sponsor, there is an exception for restaurants, bars and night life venues in hotels to ensure they are not affected by the legislation, limiting employment requirements only applies to “basic hotel operations”, such as cleaning and reception services. In addition, Menin said, to address business concerns and clarify definitions of hotel ownership, the “joint employer” language was removed, ensuring that hotel owners are not excluded. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) own hotels..

Similarly, certain staffing ratios and mandated numbers, which hospitality industry stakeholders believed could increase costs, were removed from the bill, warning that “broadcasting continuous” by one employer at the front desk of a hotel to ensure the safety and service of guests and employees.

“As a legislator, I pride myself on bringing stakeholders together to achieve broad and inclusive public policy decisions. “This hotel licensing bill is a great example of the good work that can be done when we work together towards a common goal,” said Councilwoman Menin, adding that the ban on outsourcing which previously covered all hotel staff has also been amended to eliminate. security roles that would be allowed through external vendors.

“We now have a bill that addresses feedback from the hotel and hospitality industry, while maintaining basic health, safety and workforce protections to manage and support hotels operating in New York City”. Menin warned.

Another point that has been changed in the new bill is related to the prerequisite for obtaining a license that will be in line with existing standards for other business licenses required by the city. “With this change, the commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“DCWP”) will have less discretion and a more uniform model to follow when reviewing an applicant’s suitability for a hotel license. In addition, wage reporting, record keeping, and mandatory postings have been eliminated to reduce the burden on DCWP employees,” the new project said.

Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel Trade Council (“HTC”) He was optimistic about the changes made to the articles and emphasized that when government agencies listen to the parties, more responsible public policies will be promoted.

“Through productive and thoughtful discussions with stakeholders, we now have a stronger and more inclusive bill that will effectively protect hotel guests, communities and employees, while addressing concerns that was built,” said the hotel director, who added that the new points will help preserve and develop the hotel sector in the Big Apple.

Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, who had called the first proposal a threat to independently owned restaurants and bars and their workers, warned that the new text addresses the industry’s concerns, helping hospitality businesses to be open.

“It recognizes the important role that independent restaurants and bars and their staff play in hotels. “They are fundamental to our city’s position as a global destination, a reputation as the culinary capital of the world, with venues offering spectacular views from world-class rooftop bars and essential to our local economy,” Rigie said. .

Despite the changes, from the other side, members of the industry continue to criticize the project and describe it as a threat to the industry itself as well as tens of thousands of workers, as it would build room rates among other things.

Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York Cityhe attacked the bill, and emphasized that it will affect businesses and workers.

“The authors of this bill continue to act in bad faith, making changes without the support of industry experts after saying they would stop and talk about the flaws in the bill They say it would help workers, but in fact it would hurt far more workers than it would help.” said the executive.

Kevin Carey, interim president and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, connect the voices of protest and he asked that progress be stopped in the Town Council.

“Council discussions about the Hotel Security Act continue to exclude those most affected by the legislation: hotel owners, management companies, subcontractors and tens of thousands of employees hotel. It is imperative that all stakeholders have a real seat at the table,” Carey said.

“If this is a public safety and crime issue, as Councilwoman Julie Menin and the bill’s sponsors have said, let’s review the facts and statistics to see what the picture is.” which they paint. Presenting these claims with little data and no public process will seriously harm the hospitality industry, harm New York’s economy, and negatively affect the city’s reputation and fiscal health ,” Carey decided..

In summary of the project

• 700 hotels would have stricter regulations and permits
• “The bill would create a licensing system for hotels in New York City that would ensure hotels meet basic sanitation, public safety and workplace safety standards that help reduce hazardous incidents and prevent often of bad actor problems from human trafficking. to child prostitution networks, to serious health and hygiene problems and poor treatment of staff (…) establishing an accountability framework when hotels do not comply with the necessary standards.