Overview
- Gov. Tim Walz ceremonially signed the bipartisan measure on July 14 to allow nursing homes and assisted living sites to serve alcoholic drinks at organized events without a traditional retail liquor license.
- The change applies only to event-based service for residents and their invited guests and was added as part of broader updates to the state's liquor rules.
- Facilities will need to complete a registration process and accept inspections by law enforcement while continuing to follow health and safety rules for residents.
- The push for the law grew from a Champlin resident's testimony after her community faced local enforcement over serving champagne, and lawmakers described the change as cutting unnecessary red tape.
- The package also expands licensing options for community venues such as university centers and food trucks, and individual facilities may still bar alcohol for medical or policy reasons.