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

Rules for drinking in nursing homes or assisting living facilities are determined on a state-by-state basis, and many facilities across the U.S. actively promote Happy Hours and other events to encourage socialization.

Sara Luehmann of Amira Choice said residents of the care home where Le Brun lived were allowed to drink in their rooms at all times and bring their own alcohol to community events.

He added that alcohol consumption at social events is limited to two drinks as the elderly are at greater risk of situations such as falls.

Speaking at the signing of the law, Governor Walz said, “Aging should not mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you have enjoyed throughout your life.”

“This legislation eliminates unnecessary bureaucracy so senior communities can spend less time dealing with 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 when the local government contacted Amira Choice to say it had breached rules by serving champagne at an event held in April 2025 following the renovation.

The facility reached out to LeadingAge Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that helps elder care providers, and said the cost of an alcohol license and the conditions that come with it are prohibitive.

But financial concerns aren’t the only motivating factor, LeadingAge’s Erin Huppert said.

“This is their home,” Amira Choice said of its residents. “They should be allowed to engage in the legal consumption of alcohol, just as they would if they lived in a single-family home in a community of their choice.”

Other providers are already planning to follow suit, Huppert said.