Nursing home resident Anita LeBrun wants a happy hour

Anita LeBrun testified March 17 before a Minnesota House committee in support of a bill that would allow group homes to serve alcohol at approved events, and a clip of her remarks has drawn widespread attention online.

Anita LeBrun, a resident at Amira Choice in Champlin, Minnesota, spoke on March 17 before a Minnesota House committee about a proposal supporters call the "Grandparents' Happy Hour" bill. She said residents should be allowed to share alcoholic drinks at events in the places they live. The bill would allow group homes, including nursing homes, boarding care homes and assisted living facilities, to serve alcoholic drinks to residents and their guests when facilities gain state approval. A video of her testimony was shared widely online and drew many public reactions. Key points: - LeBrun told lawmakers that older residents should not have fewer freedoms and described enjoying time together over a drink. - The committee considered the so-called "Grandparents' Happy Hour" bill, which would let group homes serve alcohol during activities or events with state approval. - A TikTok of LeBrun's testimony posted by Fox 9 reached nearly 1 million views, and a clip posted to The Washington Post's Instagram reels received more than 103,000 likes. - Social media responses included comments supporting residents' choice, and one widely liked comment had more than 16,800 likes. Summary: LeBrun's testimony highlighted a resident perspective on autonomy in senior living and generated broad online engagement. The Minnesota House committee considered the bill; Undetermined at this time.