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DESPITE SOME REVISIONS, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA and the NYC Minority Hotel Association remain opposed to New York City's hotel licensing bill, citing concerns about significant economic harm to small, family-owned, immigrant and minority-owned businesses. However, the Hotel Association of New York City dropped its opposition after securing changes to the bill, which requires operators to obtain a license. New York City Councilwoman Julie Menin's original bill faced strong backlash from operators, who argued that the measure, presented as a way to address unsafe and unsanitary conditions, was actually intended to favor unionized hotels. A hearing on the bill is set for Oct. 9, with a positive deal paving the way for its passage. "We are thrilled to announce major progress on an agreement for the Safe Hotels Act! We will be hearing the bill on Oct. 9 and look forward to a productive hearing," Menin wrote on X. In July, Menin promoted her bill as a measure to crack down on crime in hotels.

A NEW JERSEY bill that will reform the franchise business model in that state took another step forward today, moving from the Assembly to the Senate, and supporters, including AAHOA, expect it to become law this year. However, the American Hotel & Lodging Association has come out in opposition to the law, saying it would "undermine the foundation of hotel franchising." New Jersey Assembly Bill A1958 would make changes to the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act. AAHOA has been supporting the bill, saying it mirrors several concerns included in its 12 Points of Fair Franchising. Specifically, it would reform rules for mandated vendors, rebates, loyalty programs and new fees, AAHOA said in a statement. "New Jersey has long been a state with a strong entrepreneurial culture that has been welcoming to immigrants, including many AAHOA members," said AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel. "The state Assembly recognized that and took a step toward making New Jersey a better place for small businesses with today's vote to advance fair franchising principles. New Jersey can be an example to the nation for supporting franchising practices that allow hotel owners to achieve the American dream." AAHOA supports the preference of certified women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses to serve as the mandated and preferred vendors for the franchise business model.

LINA PATEL IS Red Roof's new director for strategic franchise initiatives. In the new role, Patel will direct the growth of Red Roof among diverse and underrepresented corporate and franchise communities. Patel has been a hotel owner for 23 years, according to the statement. Prior to joining Red Roof, she was the member of one of the industry's largest franchise advisory committees. In 2007, Patel joined the board of LPS of USA, a non-profit religious, cultural, and non-political organization providing support to American immigrants from India's Leuva Patidar region. She will report to Matthew Hostetler, Red Roof's chief development officer, the company said in a statement. "Lina is one of the strongest advocates for growth and diversity in our industry, and we are delighted to have her join our team as director of strategic initiatives," said George Limbert, president of Red Roof. "She brings a unique and multi-faceted background as a franchise owner, industry executive and AAHOA board member to her new role," Limbert added. Patel, who joined the board of AAHOA in 2017, played a role in launching the organization's HerOwnership program in 2022 - to help further foster, promote, and empower women entrepreneurs in hospitality sector. "With six years on the board of AAHOA, Lina has a deep understanding of the challenges everyday hotel owners face, as well as their paths to success, which she has demonstrated by example in her own career," Hostetler said. Hostetler said 35 percent of Red Roof's franchise system is represented by women.