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Adams signs controversial hotel bill but fight appears far from over
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Adams signs controversial hotel bill but fight appears far from over

Mayor Eric Adams signed the A controversial new hotel bill Monday – which critics once called a “nuclear bomb” against the industry – but the fight appears far from over.

Hizzoner was flanked by the powerful Hospitality Trades Council as well as lawmakers who helped get the bills safely passed by the City Council last month.

“Employees and visitors should feel safe working and staying in the most beautiful city in the world. Today we are making our hotels safer so everyone can enjoy the magic of New York,” Adams said.


Mayor Eric Adams signed the controversial new hotel bill, which critics once called a
Mayor Eric Adams signed the controversial new hotel bill, which critics once called a “nuclear bomb” against the industry. Aneeta Bhole

Adams said the new legislation will establish “higher standards for safety, staffing and cleaning at our city’s hotels, as well as licensing requirements to help enforce protections for workers and guests “.

The bill, known as the Safe Hotels Act, will require Big Apple hotels to obtain a license for two years and comply with strict licensing requirements, or face fines of up to $5,000 in the event of an infringement.

Arthur Kremer, a vocal critic of the bill who represents the Minority Hotel Association, called it a “dramatic misuse of the city council’s powers.”

Kremer, a former state lawmaker, said attorneys retained by the association vet “the pros and cons of litigation.”

He also accused the mayor of a quid pro quo – with the recent series of federal investigations and Adams faces five charges.

“The mayor is hanging on to his job by his fingernails and he was probably hoping the hotel union would support him if he were to go to the primary,” Kremer said.

“I think the mayor gave in, as did the city council, because he wants the support of the hotel union.”

The mayor’s office did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.

The City Council last month approved controversial new hotel regulations, which will now require hotel businesses to pay $350 for licenses.


Hizzoner was flanked by the powerful Hospitality Trades Council as well as lawmakers who helped get the bills safely passed by the City Council last month.
Hizzoner was flanked by the powerful Hospitality Trades Council as well as lawmakers who helped get the bills safely passed by the City Council last month. Aneeta Bhole

The plan enjoyed a landslide victory at City Hall, with Poles voting 45-4 in favor of the legislation which had been substantially amended since it was first proposed in July – ultimately gaining buy-in from many hotel owners .

The law requires lodging companies to staff the front desk at all hours and provide panic buttons for employees, as well as staff training to identify human trafficking.

Council member and bill sponsor Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) on Monday thanked advocates who helped get the bill across the finish line. She pointed to NYPD reports of 39 murders in New York hotels since 2009 and more than 14,000 criminal complaints between 2019 and 2023.

“That’s why all five district attorneys, the New York Attorney General, the PBA and many others have signed on to support this bill for reasons of public safety,” Menin said.

The bill’s safe passage through the council was assured when an agreement was negotiated between the Hospitality Trades Council and the New York City Hotel Association. after they initially opposed it.