News/Commentary

Walz takes fire for law allowing happy hour in nursing homes

April 22, 2026 | | Print Article

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) effort to advance specific “everyday freedoms” for nursing homes prompted reminders about a legacy of alleged fraud and skewed priorities.

The failed 2024 Democrat vice presidential nominee may have been blocked from the White House and dropped his own re-election campaign due to rampant fraud in his state, but the political machine rolled on. In addition to launching the Small Town PAC, Walz signed an omnibus liquor bill seen by many as the latest risk imposed on seniors — this time via happy hour.

“Living in a nursing home shouldn’t mean giving up everyday freedoms. I just signed a bill allowing seniors living in nursing homes to consume alcohol — so that everyone can enjoy happy hour!” said Walz on X after signing the so-called Grandparents’ Happy Hour law into place on Tuesday.

Included in the legislation that updated the state’s liquor laws to allow certain cities to issue licenses while easing restrictions in additional facilities like the University of Minnesota, is permission for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcohol without the need for a liquor license.

“This bipartisan bill increases independence and safety under clear regulations, while ensuring residents are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve–including the ability to get together for happy hour,” said the governor in a press release.

As previously reported, Minnesota nursing home residents had spoken out in favor of the legislation, including Amira Choice resident Anita LeBrum, who testified before the state House and Senate, “My friends and I love happy hour just like many of you do, I am sure.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“Just because we are older and live in assisted living doesn’t mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else …” she argued. “Allowing our facility to coordinate this happy hour affords us and our families the peace of mind that we can enjoy life, but not be out slipping on the ice to stop and get our box of wine.”

Of course, while some celebrated how seniors living in care facilities would have greater access to imbibe, others couldn’t help but see the risk to a heavily medicated and ill population, while deeming the bill a distraction from the scandal-embroiled administration.

“Hey Tim remember this during your COVID Lockdowns? Minnesota had one of the highest [Long-Term Care] deaths in the nation during COVID,” wrote one user sharing data from May 2020 that showed over 80% of deaths were in nursing homes. “Governor Walz’s administration hired a public relations firm to try and blame the high number on youth sports.”

ADVERTISEMENT

At the same time, Walz became notorious for tamping down on liberties, joining other states in putting access to alcohol as a priority over the exercise of religious freedom before later backing down. Meanwhile, as investigations appeared to only scratch the surface of rampant fraud in his state, the governor’s idea of accountability found him vowing not to resign, but to simply “never run for an elected office again.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Kevin Haggerty
Latest posts by Kevin Haggerty (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles