Mayor Adams Enacts Safe Hotels Act to Protect NYC Workers, Guests, and Tourism

New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed the Safe Hotels Act on Monday, November 4th, a groundbreaking law aimed at enhancing safety standards for hotel workers and guests while bolstering the city’s tourism sector. The legislation, Intro. 0991 mandates new licensing requirements and safety protocols for hotels across New York City, aligning with the Adams administration’s vision of a safer, cleaner hospitality industry amid record-breaking tourism numbers projected for 2025.

The Safe Hotels Act requires all city hotels to obtain operating licenses and mandates the presence of essential staff, such as front desk and security personnel, during guest stays. Additionally, it includes vital safety measures, like daily room cleaning (unless declined by guests), panic buttons for housekeeping staff, and training to recognize human trafficking. Mayor Adams emphasized that the legislation aligns with his administration’s commitment to safeguarding both New Yorkers and visitors.

At the signing, Adams said, “Our top priority from day one has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city’s hotels. That’s why we are expanding protections for the working-class New Yorkers who run our hotels and the guests who use them. The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive and create jobs across the city. This is a win for working people, the tourism and hotel industry, and all New Yorkers and guests.” 

First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer highlighted the act’s role in supporting the city’s robust tourism industry, which generated $74 billion in economic impact in 2023. By streamlining licensing for hotel operators, the city aims to avoid disruptions in hospitality services while continuing to attract millions of tourists. Officials expect the Safe Hotels Act to aid in sustaining the jobs of over 380,000 individuals in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

City Councilmember Julie Menin, the bill’s sponsor, praised the act as a landmark step for public safety and labor rights within New York’s hotel industry. Menin acknowledged support from labor unions and advocacy groups, highlighting the act’s measures to protect hotel staff and deter exploitation. With backing from the Hotel Trades Council and various labor organizations, the Safe Hotels Act reflects a collective effort to prioritize dignity and security in NYC’s hospitality sector.

The legislation’s passage also strengthens the city’s preparations for major events, like the FIFA World Cup in 2026, expected to draw over 1 million visitors. Officials project that the event will contribute more than $2 billion in economic impact, underscoring the importance of a stable, safe hospitality environment. Mayor Adams and city leaders believe the Safe Hotels Act will ensure that NYC continues to thrive as a world-class tourist destination.

New York City’s recent reductions in crime rates reinforce this legislative push, with officials seeing the Safe Hotels Act as part of broader public safety advancements. By setting higher standards for hotel operations, the city aims to create a safer, more welcoming environment for its workers and millions of annual visitors.