THE NEW YORK City Council postponed a hearing, originally scheduled for July 30, on the "Safe Hotels Act" bill in response to protests from industry
associations and hotel owners. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and AAHOA argued that the bill would disrupt their members' businesses and significantly
harm the city's nearly 700 hotels and approximately 265,000 employees.
The associations welcomed the delay, allowing more time for feedback before the legislative process continues.
"Over the last 10 days, NYC's hotel industry and the tourism economy have rallied to speak with one voice and resoundingly make clear that the Hotel Licensing
bill introduced in the City Council has the potential to devastate New York City's hotel industry," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "We are
grateful for the support of our members, hotel industry coalition partners, and our allies in the restaurant and real estate community for helping to avert an
economic disaster in New York City that no one wants."