Advice on this advertising situation

[aneil4lom]

Hi everyone, I need some advice on my current dilema.I run a site that acts as an online newspaper within my University. It features the initials of the University in its name, followed by the word "clubs' then ".com"My website is not affiliated with the University or even the Student Council in any way. If ever they asked me to not use their name, I could always change it and redirect the site or something to the new name.A rum company recently approached me to advertise on the website, I'm still in the process of finalizing the deal with them but in today's newspaper, the Campus Principal has banned alcohol on campus between certain hours and from sponsorship of events etc. This is an excerpt from the article; "Under the new policy there will be no marketing or sponsorship of alcohol beverage on campus. In addition, sponsorship from alcohol beverage companies for academic funding, scholarships, bursaries, and sporting and recreational events is also prohibited."As I mentioned before, if push comes to shove I would simply change the name, I was wondering where I stand legally though.Consider the fact that I'm using their initials in my domain name (although I claim no affiliation and I don't slander anyone),and I want to advertise the rum company.British advice would be the most helpful since our laws mostly follow the British constitution. Thanks!

[Clinton]

The usual IANAL (I am not a lawyer) applies to all replies.

I think you'd be fine. If you make a prominent disclosure that you are not affiliated with the university it's unlikely the university would object.

I don't believe your problem is one with the law, it's more one of keeping happy the people who know people who decide your grades. And if you want to keep them happy you could have a private word with them and see how they feel about the run advert on your privately owned site.

[eddiebooth]

I notice you say they have banned alcohol during certain times, which suggests they are not totally against it.
You could put a disclaimer or a health warning on your site about the dangers of excessive drinking or binge drinking, maybe even an article on the dangers of drinking and advice on what to do if you or a friend is having drink problems. A bit like the drinks and cigarettes companies have to put on their advertising in the UK

[aneil4lom]

The usual IANAL (I am not a lawyer) applies to all replies.

I think you'd be fine. If you make a prominent disclosure that you are not affiliated with the university it's unlikely the university would object.

I don't believe your problem is one with the law, it's more one of keeping happy the people who know people who decide your grades. And if you want to keep them happy you could have a private word with them and see how they feel about the run advert on your privately owned site.

Thanks. i asked a couple law students and they told me i'm fairly safe as well. I just wanted an opinion from a couple more places especially form someone who deals with websites as well.