Walz Signs Bill Letting Minnesota Care Homes Serve Alcohol Without Licenses, Effective in August
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Jul 24
Walz Signs Bill Letting Minnesota Care Homes Serve Alcohol Without Licenses, Effective in August
3 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Jul 24
Summary
Minnesota assisted living facilities will be allowed to serve alcohol at special events without a liquor license after Gov. Tim Walz signed the so-called “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” bill.
82-year-old Anita LeBrun helped drive the change by testifying twice after her Champlin facility was told in April 2025 it could not serve champagne at a renovation celebration or continue resident happy hours.
129 lawmakers backed the measure in April, and facilities must still notify the state before serving residents and guests under the new exemption.
Operators argued a liquor license added cost and duplicative red tape because assisted living dining already falls under broader public-health regulation.
August will mark the law’s rollout, with LeBrun’s facility planning an all-day celebration that supporters say reflects resident autonomy rather than just access to drinks.