Branson targets lodging safety in crack-down initiative

The city of Branson is working to crack down on safety issues at lodging establishments after a review of city code.

Public health and safety are the main focuses of the compliance effort, according to a news release.

City officials say they have identified "several lodging establishments" that do not adhere to permitting and licensing rules; those establishments are not identified in the release. Lodging establishments are required to meet regulatory inspections and requirements to be issued a city business license, and, upon further inspection, a lodging establishment permit from the Taney County Health Department and a lodging license from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

“While the issue of lodging compliance is not new to our community, our strategic, safety-focused initiative gives us more coordination, more collaboration and the utilization of the necessary tools to address those establishments operating outside the confines of the law," Branson City Administrator Cathy Stepp said in the release.

The lodging safety initiative seeks to improve building structures, property maintenance and fire code requirements in accordance with the law.

The initiative is supported by the Branson Area Lodging Association.

“Our members have always strived to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors to our region. This enhanced enforcement of code, fire and health compliance is necessary to take bad operators out of our industry and our community,” said Laurie Hayes, executive director of the lodging association, in the release.