The amendment to the law was named "happy hour for grandmas and grandpas".
82-year-old Anita Lebrun lives in the Amira Choice Champlin assisted living facility in Champlin, Minnesota, USA. In March, Lebrun addressed state legislators with a proposal to allow nursing homes and similar facilities to serve alcohol during resident events.
The grandmother of five argued that older people shouldn't have to miss out on everyday pleasures just because of where they live, People writes.
The proposed amendment was approved in March and will take effect in the state in August.
Previously, residents were allowed to consume alcohol in their rooms, but facilities did not have the legal right to serve alcoholic beverages during communal gatherings. In Lebrun's opinion, this deprived people of a basic freedom — to socialize with friends over a glass of wine.
She added that such gatherings over a drink give residents the opportunity to maintain social connections during a period she described as "the golden stage of our lives".
The problem first surfaced when Amira Choice staff tried to organize a reception for residents after the building's renovation. However, it soon became clear that they could not host a "happy hour" without obtaining a liquor license.
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