T
he hotel industry has proposed a compromise on Council member Julie Menin's Safe Hotels Act, which would require hotels to obtain licenses. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) drafted a bill that includes many of the same provisions as Menin's original proposal, such as panic buttons in every room and human trafficking training for staff. However, it omits the most contentious parts, including staffing mandates that would prevent hotel owners from using subcontractors.

    The AHLA's proposed bill aims to ease concerns about the impact on small businesses and jobs. Interim president Kevin Carey said the industry's proposal removes "costly and burdensome operational mandates" that could eliminate thousands of New York City jobs held by subcontractors. Menin has hailed her original bill as a way to crack down on crime in hotels, but it has instead pitted union members against subcontractors.

    The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, which represents hotel workers, criticized the AHLA's proposal, calling it an attempt to "gut key worker protections." The national trade group typically doesn't get involved in City Council legislation, and its initial response to Menin's bill surprised her. Menin said she continues to meet with stakeholders and take feedback to craft a bill that addresses concerns while protecting guests, workers, and neighbors.

    The AHLA's proposed bill includes licenses to be renewed every five years instead of two, as originally proposed by Menin. The industry argues that the original version would force small businesses to close and create uncertainty in hotel transactions.