Grandmother, 82, Wins Law Change to Enjoy Happy Hour at Care Home
Grandmother 82 wins law change so she – Anita LeBrun, a 5th-generation grandmother, has long cherished a glass of pinot grigio and her family’s tradition of celebrating with wine at their lakehouse. Last year, she was stunned to learn that her Minnesota assisted living facility could not offer drinks to residents due to lacking a licence. Despite this setback, LeBrun, who is already a familiar figure at Amira Choice Champlin, stepped forward to lead a campaign to alter the state’s regulations.
Legislation Allows Alcohol Served for Special Events
The new law, which went into effect this month, permits nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to provide alcohol to residents and guests during special occasions without requiring a full licence, provided they inform the state in advance. This change was celebrated at a recent ceremony where LeBrun shared a toast with Governor Tim Walz. “Growing older shouldn’t mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you’ve enjoyed your whole life,” Walz said, praising the legislation for reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
“Just because we are older and live in assisted living doesn’t mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else,” LeBrun told a Senate committee during her testimony. “My friends and I love happy hour, just like many of you do.”
LeBrun’s efforts were motivated by both personal enjoyment and the desire to enhance social life for residents. “They should be allowed to take part in legal consumption of alcohol, just like they could if they lived in a single-family home,” explained Erin Huppert of LeadingAge Minnesota, which supported the initiative. Other care providers are now planning similar changes, according to Huppert.
A Campaign Born from a Single Event
The push for reform began after Amira Choice Champlin was notified by local authorities that it had violated rules by serving champagne at an event in April 2025 following renovations. The facility argued that the licensing fees and requirements were too burdensome. Residents, however, found the restrictions “ridiculous,” as Sara Luehmann of Amira Choice noted. “We’ve always been allowed to drink in our rooms and bring our own alcohol to community events,” she said.
Amira Choice’s residents are now preparing for a festive celebration next month, with Luehmann calling LeBrun “the resident superstar” for her role in securing the change. The facility’s staff and residents are eager to embrace the new freedom, as the law enables them to host events without the previous administrative constraints.
Another Advocate for Senior Freedoms
Meanwhile, in Connecticut, 96-year-old TikTok sensation Lillian Droniak—better known to her 15.1 million followers as “Grandma Droniak”—faced a similar challenge. Her facility’s management sent a letter warning her to stop hosting parties in her room, citing safety concerns about alcohol-related falls. “Let them drink!” her grandson Kevin Droniak told the BBC upon hearing the Minnesota news, echoing the sentiment of many seniors who feel their rights are being overlooked.
The movement highlights a growing trend across the U.S., where state laws on alcohol in care homes vary widely. While some facilities already encourage social events through Happy Hours, others face stricter rules. This new legislation in Minnesota aims to balance safety with the opportunity for residents to enjoy their favorite traditions without unnecessary restrictions.
