At some of our properties, due to local ordinances or with cooperation with local government, we may require valid photo identification and we may also photocopy the identification presented by the guest to help ensure the safety and security of all our guests.
What next, retinal scans and fingerprinting? In co-operation with unnamed local authorities, of course.
And I wonder how long this information is kept? and how securely?
It sounds as if this is going the way of airport ID checks -- mission creep. In the case of hotels, I can't even think of a revenue-protection reason. If they credit card is good at check in, the hotel will get paid regardless of who is in the room. It's obviously a dragnet approach by local cops because I don't think they need a search warrant to bust into a hotel room -- only the verbal permission from the on-duty manager.
If the personal data is going into some sort of government database, the Privacy Act applies.