For 82-year-old Anita LeBrun, a glass of wine was never just about the drink. It was about catching up with friends, sharing stories and enjoying the little traditions that made life feel familiar. So when she discovered that her assisted living facility in Minnesota could not legally host a simple happy hour, she decided to do something about it.
What started as one grandmother's frustration turned into a statewide change. LeBrun became the face of a campaign that helped bring in Minnesota's new 'Grandparents' Happy Hour' law, giving care home residents more freedom to enjoy alcohol during organised social events.
The legislation has been celebrated as a win for independence and the belief that getting older should not mean giving up everyday pleasures.
WATCH: Minnesotan Anita LeBrun testifies in favor of a bill to allow nursing homes to hold happy hour events without a liquor license
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"My friends and I love happy hour just like many of you do I am sure."
"Just because we are older and live in assisted living doesn't mean… pic.twitter.com/MZWkRvHq3B
How 82-Year-Old Grandmother Started the Campaign
LeBrun, a grandmother-of-five and a resident at Amira Choice Champlin assisted living facility, has always enjoyed a good pinot grigio. Her family even had a long-running tradition of starting happy hour celebrations at their lakehouse at 5pm.
But after moving into assisted living, she found that the rules were very different. Her facility was unable to serve alcohol during community events because it did not have a liquor licence, creating a barrier to hosting celebrations that many residents had enjoyed throughout their lives.
The issue came to light after Amira Choice was contacted by local officials following a 2025 event where champagne was served after renovations at the facility. Rather than simply accept the restrictions, LeBrun decided to speak up.
She testified before both the Minnesota House and Senate, sharing why the rule mattered to residents. She believed that living in assisted care should not take away residents' personal choices.
'Just because we are older and live in assisted living doesn't mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else,' LeBrun told lawmakers.
What's Different Under the New Law?
The new legislation allows nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Minnesota to serve alcohol during special events without needing a traditional liquor licence, as long as they notify the state beforehand and follow safety requirements.
Before the change, residents were still allowed to drink alcohol privately in their own rooms and could bring their own drinks to some gatherings. However, facilities faced additional licensing hurdles if they wanted to organise events where alcohol was provided for residents and guests.
Supporters argued that the previous rules created unnecessary complications for care homes trying to offer normal social activities.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz backed the change. During the signing ceremony, he said: 'Growing older shouldn't mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you've enjoyed your whole life.'
Why Supporters Backed the Change
While the law involves alcohol, supporters say the bigger issue is personal choice.
Senior care organisations argued that assisted living facilities are people's homes, and residents should still be able to enjoy familiar experiences in a safe environment.
Erin Huppert from LeadingAge Minnesota said residents should have the same opportunities to take part in legal activities they would have enjoyed if they were living independently in their own communities.
Care providers will still be responsible for managing safety concerns. Some facilities may limit the number of drinks served, particularly because older adults can face increased risks from alcohol, including falls and medication interactions.
At Amira Choice, staff previously limited residents to two drinks during social events as part of their safety approach.
A Victory Worth Celebrating
After helping secure the law change, LeBrun was honoured at a ceremonial signing with Governor Walz at her assisted living facility.
Staff celebrated her efforts, calling her the 'Resident Ambassador and Resident Representative for our Happy Hour Bill.' They added: 'We are so proud of you Anita! Thank you!'
For LeBrun, the victory goes far beyond a glass of wine. It marks a step towards giving older adults the same freedoms, traditions and social connections they enjoyed before moving into assisted living—showing that growing older should never mean giving up life's simple pleasures.
