Anita LeBrun, an 82-year-old resident of Amira Choice Champlin, successfully advocated for a Minnesota law that allows assisted-living and nursing facilities to serve alcohol at resident events. Known as the "Grandparents' Happy Hour" provision, the amendment passed in March and was signed by Gov. Tim Walz on July 14. Previously, facilities could only allow alcohol in private rooms unless they obtained a liquor license; the new law removes that barrier and takes effect on August 1. Amira Choice plans a community celebration with a food truck and an evening happy hour to mark the change.
82-Year-Old Grandmother Wins Right To 'Happy Hour' In Assisted Living — Minnesota Signs New Law
From left: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Amira Choice resident Anita LeBrun and volunteer Bernice B.Credit: Office of Governor Tim Walz
Anita LeBrun, 82, successfully led a campaign that changed Minnesota law to allow assisted-living and nursing facilities to serve alcohol at resident events. LeBrun, a resident of Amira Choice Champlin in Champlin, spoke to lawmakers this spring arguing that older adults should not lose simple pleasures—like sharing a drink with friends—because of where they live.
Legislative Change and Signing
The amendment, popularly known as the Grandparents' Happy Hour provision, was approved by the Minnesota Legislature in March and formally signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz at a ceremony held at Amira Choice Champlin on July 14. The law removes the prior requirement that facilities obtain a liquor license in order to serve alcoholic beverages at resident gatherings. It takes effect on August 1.
Tim Walz signs the "Grandparents' Happy Hour" bill as Amira Choice Champlin resident Anita LeBrun and others look onCredit: Office of Governor Tim Walz
Why It Mattered
"Just because we're older and live in assisted living doesn't mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else," LeBrun told the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee in March. She described shared drinks as a simple, meaningful way residents maintain social connections during what she called "the golden phase of our lives."
How the Issue Emerged
The issue came to light when Amira Choice staff planned a reception to celebrate renovations and discovered they could not host a community happy hour without applying for a liquor license. Abby Dahl, Executive Director at Amira Choice Champlin, told lawmakers the licensing requirement was unnecessary given the hundreds of existing regulations that already protect residents' health, safety and wellbeing.
Reactions and Next Steps
At the July 14 signing, Gov. Walz said that growing older should not require giving up freedoms enjoyed earlier in life and celebrated the law as enabling residents to mark birthdays, anniversaries and everyday moments together with a drink if they choose. Amira Choice praised the advocacy of LeBrun and staff, saying the change demonstrates that older adults' voices are powerful and deserve to be heard.
Anita LeBrun speaks at the signing ceremony on July 14 as Gov. Tim Walz stands nearbyCredit: Office of Governor Tim Walz
To mark the new law, Amira Choice plans a special celebration after it takes effect: a lunchtime gathering with a food truck for residents, staff and families, followed by an evening cookout and a celebratory happy hour where residents may choose wine, beer or mixed drinks.
Source: PEOPLE; Office of Governor Tim Walz
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