Seniors who call assisted living facilities home in Minnesota have a reason to celebrate. The state has passed a bill allowing these types of facilities to serve alcohol to residents, something they previously weren’t allowed to do without a liquor license.
The New York Post says an 82-year-old grandmother may have been the driving force behind the bill, after Anita LeBrun discovered that she wouldn’t be able to enjoy a happy hour at her new assisted living facility because of the licensing issue. In fact, Amira Choice had previously found itself in a little hot water in 2025, after local officials chastised them for serving champagne when the facility completed some renovations.
However, residents should feel free to pop the bubbly whenever they have something to celebrate in the future thanks to the Grandparents’ Happy Hour Bill, which will now allow these types of facilities to serve alcohol.
Even Governor Tim Walz was on hand to toast to the rule change last week, highlighting how much support the proposed legislation had from lawmakers.
LeBrun Says Seniors Shouldn’t Have Fewer Rights as They Age
LeBrun testified in front of the state legislature twice while trying to get the rules changed, according to the BBC. “Just because we are older and live in assisted living doesn’t mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else,” she said during one of those testimonies. “My friends and I love happy hour, just like many of you do.”
But LeBrun was prevented from taking part in any happy hours when she moved into Amira Choice two years ago, prompting her to fight for the change.
Now, her hard work has paid off, and she and her friends can raise a glass whenever they want. “I’m very proud, because everybody’s so excited about it,” she said during a ceremonial toast that was attended by Walz, according to the New York Post.
“Growing older shouldn’t mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you’ve enjoyed your whole life,” Walz was also quoted as saying during the event.
People Have Mixed Thoughts About the Change
While there are clearly a lot of people who are behind the Grandparents’ Happy Hour Bill, there are those who are worried about it. A Reddit post about the change created a lively discussion about the topic, with people coming down on both sides of the argument.
Those who were for it celebrated the way that it would increase the quality of life for some seniors, with one person writing, “I am super social and would appreciate that as a resident for sure!”
Meanwhile, other people worried about how alcohol could affect the most vulnerable, with one person asking about the potential for increased falls or complications for those who drink while taking certain medications. “Like what happens if something goes wrong,” they asked.
While the questions on Reddit raise some good points, it shows just how important it is for individuals (and their families) to make these decisions on their own so that they can manage their own risks and their own rewards when it comes to the occasional happy hour.