An 82-year-old grandmother has helped bring about a change in Minnesota law after campaigning for care home residents to have the same freedom to enjoy social drinks as people living in the wider community.
Anita Le Brun, a resident at Amira Choice Champlin assisted living facility, has always enjoyed a glass of pinot grigio and the tradition of gathering with family for a 5pm Happy Hour at their lake house. However, she was surprised to discover that her care home was not allowed to serve alcohol at resident events because it did not hold a licence.
A campaign led by one determined resident
Determined to change the situation, Le Brun became the public voice behind an effort to update the rules. She gave evidence twice before Minnesota’s state legislature, explaining why she believed residents should be able to enjoy occasional drinks during community celebrations.
Her efforts were recognised this week when she joined Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for a ceremonial signing of the new legislation at the facility where she lives. The law, known as the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” bill, now allows nursing homes and assisted living communities in the state to serve alcohol to residents and their guests during special occasions without needing an alcohol licence, provided they notify the state in advance.
Le Brun said she was pleased with the result, adding that many residents had felt the previous restrictions were unnecessary.
New rules aim to support social activities in care homes
The rules around alcohol in care homes vary across the United States, with some facilities already offering events such as Happy Hours to encourage residents to socialise. At Amira Choice Champlin, residents were previously allowed to keep alcohol in their own rooms and bring their own drinks to community events, but organised alcohol service was restricted.
Sara Luehmann from Amira Choice explained that alcohol at social events would continue to be limited, with residents generally allowed up to two drinks because older adults can face increased risks such as falls.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Walz said that getting older should not mean losing the traditions and independence people have enjoyed throughout their lives.
He said the new law would reduce unnecessary administrative work and allow senior living communities to focus more on creating opportunities for residents to celebrate occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and social gatherings.
Residents celebrate a change in tradition
The campaign began after Amira Choice was contacted by local officials following an event in April 2025 where champagne was served after renovation work at the facility. The care home then approached LeadingAge Minnesota, a non-profit organisation supporting senior care providers, about the challenges involved in obtaining an alcohol licence.
Erin Huppert from LeadingAge Minnesota said the issue was not only about cost but also about recognising that care home residents consider these places their homes.
She said residents should be able to enjoy legal activities, including having a drink at social events, in the same way they could if they lived independently in their own homes.
Other care providers are now considering similar changes following Minnesota’s decision.
The debate around alcohol in care homes has also gained attention elsewhere. Recently, 96-year-old TikTok personality Lillian Droniak, known online as “Grandma Droniak”, shared that her care facility in Connecticut had asked her not to host parties in her room where alcohol was served to other residents.
Her grandson, Kevin Droniak, said she welcomed the news from Minnesota, joking that residents should be allowed to enjoy themselves.
At Amira Choice Champlin, staff and residents are already planning a celebration to mark the change. Luehmann said the event would be a special day for residents and described Le Brun as the “resident superstar” for helping make the new rules possible.
Before speaking to lawmakers, Le Brun carefully prepared her testimony by practising with her daughters and in front of a mirror. She told legislators that living in assisted care should not mean giving up the freedoms people have always valued.
She explained that sharing a drink with friends gives residents a chance to talk about their memories, life experiences, family, friendships and the important moments they have shared over the years.
