Revises hotel sanitization protocols to remove requirement that occupied guest rooms be cleaned and sanitized daily.
Impact
By eliminating the mandatory daily cleaning requirement for occupied rooms, S3056 introduces flexibility in hotel sanitation practices. This change aims to promote a more sustainable approach to operational costs for hotels, especially as the hospitality sector continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While hotels still need to ensure that rooms are cleaned before new guests arrive and maintain cleanliness in public spaces, the removal of daily cleaning can potentially reduce waste and unnecessary labor.
Summary
Bill S3056, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, seeks to revise hotel sanitization protocols established under P.L.2020, c.37. The key provision of this bill removes the requirement that every occupied guest room be cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis. The intention behind this amendment is to alleviate the financial burden on hotels that arises from the necessity to service guest rooms every day, even when guests may prefer not to have their rooms cleaned daily.
Contention
The primary points of contention surrounding S3056 focus on health and safety considerations. Supporters argue that the bill reflects a better understanding of guest preferences and operational efficiencies, while opponents may raise concerns about potential implications for guests’ health and safety. The requirement for hotels to maintain high standards of sanitation remains, as they must continue to follow other mandated guidelines, such as cleaning public spaces daily and using approved cleaning products.