An 82-year-old grandmother has won a law change so she can enjoy happy hour at a care home.

Drinking regulations in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are set by state, and many facilities across the US actively promote Happy Hours and other events to encourage socializing.

Residents at the care home where Le Brun lives are always allowed to drink in their rooms and bring their own alcohol to community functions, said Sarah Luhmann of Amira’s Choice.

She added that because older people are more prone to falls, alcohol consumption at social events is limited to two drinks.

“Getting older doesn’t mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you’ve enjoyed throughout your life,” Governor Walsh said at the signing of the bill.

“This legislation cuts unnecessary red tape so senior communities can spend less time worrying about paperwork and create opportunities for residents to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, happy hours and everyday moments together,” he said at Tuesday’s ceremony.

Le Brun’s search for change began in April 2025 after renovations in April 2025 after the local government told them it had broken the rules by serving champagne.

The institute contacted LeadingAge Minnesota, a nonprofit that helps senior care providers, saying the cost of an alcohol license and the conditions that go along with it are prohibitive.

But financial concerns weren’t the only motivating factor, says LeadingAge’s Erin Huppert.

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

Huppert said other suppliers are already planning to follow suit.