Cheers to That: “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” Bill Signed into Law

(KNSI) – Governor Tim Walz was at a senior living facility in Champlin Wednesday to toast the passage of a new law letting senior living communities serve alcohol to residents without a traditional retail liquor license.

The provision, nicknamed “Grandparents’ Happy Hour,” passed with bipartisan support as part of the 2026 omnibus liquor law. It allows nursing homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcoholic beverages to residents and their guests during resident-focused events. Facilities may not sell alcohol; service is limited to residents and their guests, and existing legal age requirements still apply.

“Growing older shouldn’t mean giving up the traditions and freedoms you’ve enjoyed your whole life,” Walz says. “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. It’s about dignity, independence, and recognizing that community is an essential part of quality care.”

Walz was joined by residents, caregivers, state lawmakers, Ebenezer President and CEO Brett K. Anderson, and Anita LeBrun, whose testimony helped inspire the legislation.

“Today we raise our glasses, not just for happy hour, but for independence,” LeBrun says. “This law affirms that living in assisted living doesn’t mean giving up the everyday pleasures that help us live life on our own terms.”

The broader omnibus liquor law also expands local licensing authority for certain municipalities, clarifies relationships between manufacturers and wholesalers, and updates licensing requirements for a range of establishments.

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