Bill to introduce a hotel license meets resistance

Manhattan Councilwoman Julie Menin is leading the initiative to introduce a licensing system for New York City’s 800 hotels, arguing that the industry needs stronger regulations to protect hotel employees and guests.

Menin’s efforts are supported by the union that represents 40,000 hotel workers.

“Although the vast majority of hotels are very safe places and important economic drivers, there are also some hotels where criminal activity occurs. That’s why there have been 39 hotel murders and over 14,500 complaints to the NYPD in recent years,” she told NY1.

“It is estimated that over 3,000 people are victims of human trafficking in New York hotels,” she added.

The Safe Hotels Act would establish a licensing system for hotels under the supervision of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, require on-site security measures for larger hotels, require panic buttons for hotel employees, and make human trafficking recognition training mandatory for key hotel personnel.

The CEO of the Hotels Association of NYC, Vijay Dandapani, emphasizes: “There is a nationwide law against human trafficking that every hotel must adhere to.”

The Safe Hotels Act would also require that front desk and housekeeping staff be employees of the hotel and not subcontractors.

Dandapani says some hotels cannot afford to hire their own staff for these positions.

“With these smaller hotels, we can essentially reduce costs. The costs in the city are the highest in the country,” Dandapani said.

After facing stiff opposition from several hotel owner groups, Menin canceled a recent City Council hearing on the Safe Hotels Act, but she then gathered with her supporters on the steps of City Hall and vowed to press on.

The Manhattan congresswoman told NY1 she was willing to make changes to the bill.

“We will schedule a hearing in the near future and look forward to receiving feedback,” Menin said.