Grandmother, 82, wins law change so she can enjoy Happy Hour at care home

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Grandmother, 82, wins law change so she can enjoy Happy Hour at care homeImage source, Le Brun FamilyImage caption, Anita Le Brun (centre) says she is very proud of the role she has played in getting the state law changedBySheila FlynnSenior US reporterPublished48 minutes agoGrandmother-of-five Anita Le Brun has always loved a good glass of pinot grigio and her family's tradition of kicking off 5pm Happy Hours at their lakehouse. The 82-year-old couldn't believe it, then, when she found out last year that her Minnesota assisted living facility was prohibited from serving drinks to residents because it didn't have a licence. Already something of a social butterfly at Amira Choice Champlin, Le Brun agreed to become the face and voice of a mission to change the law.

After testifying twice before the state legislature, she shared a toast with Governor Tim Walz this week for a ceremonial signing of what's been nicknamed the "Grandparents' Happy Hour" bill at the very facility she calls home. The legislation, which took effect this month, allows nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to serve alcohol to residents and their guests for special events without a licence, as long as the state is notified beforehand. "I'm very proud, because everybody's so excited about it," says Le Brun, adding that her fellow residents found the restrictions "ridiculous".

The Details

Image source, Amira Choice and Ebenezer Senior LivingImage caption, Anita Le Brun toasted to the law change alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who formerly ran to be vice president (right)The rules on drinking in nursing homes or assisting living facilities are decided state by state and many facilities across the US actively promote Happy Hours and other events to encourage socialisation. Residents at the care home Le Brun lives in have always been allowed to imbibe in their rooms, and to bring their own alcohol to community functions, said Amira Choice's Sara Luehmann. She added that, due to older people being at greater risk of such things as falls, alcohol consumption has been limited to two drinks at social events.

Speaking at the signing of the legislation, Governor Walz said "growing older shouldn't mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you've enjoyed your whole life. ""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," he said at Tuesday's ceremony. Le Brun's quest for change began after Amira Choice was contacted by local government saying it had broken the rules by serving champagne at an event in April 2025 following renovations.

The facility reached out to LeadingAge Minnesota, a nonprofit that helps senior care providers, saying that the cost of an alcohol licence and the conditions that go with it were prohibitive.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.