A Minnesota grandmother is raising a glass after helping change state law so nursing homes and assisted living facilities can serve alcohol to residents during special events.
Anite LeBrun, an 82-year-old widowed grandmother of five, said she was stunned to learn last year that her assisted living community in Champlin, a suburb of Minneapolis, could not legally serve residents alcohol because it did not hold a liquor license.
The issue became even more glaring in April 2025, when local officials contacted Amira Choice, the facility LeBrun moved into two years ago, after champagne was served at an event celebrating renovations.
Rather than let the matter go, LeBrun brought her campaign to the Minnesota Legislature, testifying twice before lawmakers and ultimately winning what she saw as a fight for residents’ freedom to celebrate.
“Just because we are older and live in assisted living doesn’t mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else,” she told a Senate committee, according to BBC News.
“My friends and I love happy hour, just like many of you do,” LeBrun told lawmakers.
Last week, LeBrun marked the moment with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, sharing a ceremonial toast at her facility to celebrate the start of the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour Bill.” The new law allows nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the Gopher State to serve alcohol to residents and their guests at special events without obtaining a liquor license.
“I’m very proud, because everybody’s so excited about it,” LeBrun said during the toast, adding that she and other residents had long viewed the restrictions as “ridiculous.”
Speaking at the ceremony last Tuesday, Gov. Walz said he backed the changes.
“Growing older shouldn’t mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you’ve enjoyed your whole life,” he said.
“This law cuts unnecessary red tape so senior living communities can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time creating opportunities for residents to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Happy Hours, and everyday moments together,” Walz added.
