Omnibus liquor bill that includes ‘Grandparents’ Happy Hour’ passes House

Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are one step closer to enjoying a happy hour in their facilities.

The issue of alcohol in those facilities arose when staff at Amira Choice in Champlin learned that licensed facilities like theirs weren’t allowed to coordinate a happy hour without a permit — and their city doesn’t have a liquor permit that fits their situation.

A fix for that, dubbed the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour,” is in the omnibus liquor bill, HF2027/SF2511*. The provision would allow nursing homes, boarding care homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcohol to residents and their guests during activities or events organized for residents if the facility takes several steps, including notifying the state of its intention to do so.

Calling it “the greatest part of this bill,” Rep. Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers) pointed out that the facilities are already licensed and subject to Department of Health rules regarding food safety and storage.

“It represents what we should be doing here a lot more of, and that’s finding agreement between the long-term care imperative, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health and our grandparents,” he said.

Passed, as amended, 129-1 Monday, the bill goes back to the Senate which passed the bill 53-12 in April 2025.

In addition to the happy hour provision, the bill would take care of a lot of local liquor law issues and allow some University of Minnesota campuses to serve alcohol at different types of events, Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R-Sartell) said.

The bill would allow county boards to issue seasonal on-sale licenses to resorts and allow a manufacturer or wholesaler who sells nonalcoholic products to engage in trade practices of the nonalcoholic product industry.

The bill would also allow liquor licenses for:

• the Science Museum of Minnesota and Union Depot in St. Paul;
• an entity holding a concessions contract with the University of Minnesota Board of Regents;
• the College of Agriculture campus at the University of Minnesota;
• food halls at 501 30th Ave. S.E. and 800 LaSalle Ave. in Minneapolis;
• Minnesota State University, Mankato for sales at the Taylor Center;
• the Historic Chateau Theater in Rochester;
• Dwan Golf Course in Bloomington;
• the Baudette Arena Association;
• an anchor tenant for a food hall at The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park;
• the Springfield Area Community Center;
• a food truck for private events in Douglas County;
• the Erhard Community Park;
• Southwest Minnesota State University for the Schwan Regional Event Center and a recreation/athletic facility; and
• the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd.