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Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D/WFP – 125th) has introduced a bill in the Assembly that would allow the Cornducky Derby, a popular event that is held annually in Cortland, to raise money by selling tickets in commercial establishments with state alcohol licenses. The Cornducky Derby is always held on the same day as the Kentucky Derby and features a race between small plastic ducks down a creek in one of Cortland's public parks. Sponsored by the Cortland Community Services Club, Inc., the Cornducky Derby raises money for a variety of local youth causes.

However, the event also awards cash prizes to individuals who purchase tickets, and state law currently considers the sale of these tickets as gambling, and thus prohibited, when the sale takes place in any establishment with a state liquor license. Those same ticket sales are currently legal in places that don't have a liquor license. Lifton's proposed bill would allow nonprofit organizations that hold events to raise money for charitable causes to raise funds through ticket sales in taverns and restaurants. The licensee is allowed such ticket sales twice a year and 90 percent or more of the proceeds must go to charity.

"This bill would allow any tavern or restaurant across the state to have ticket sales on their premises twice a year for a nonprofit which is raising money for charitable causes," said Lifton. "It would support events like the Cornducky Derby, which gives delight each year to families and children alike while raising money for important local youth programs in the Cortland community."

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