The Grandparents' Happy Hour Bill
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
Let the celebrations commence!
Grandmother-of-five Anita LeBrun 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 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, LeBrun 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 now 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 LeBrun, adding that her fellow residents found the restrictions "ridiculous".
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 the ceremony.
