RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The issue of liquor advertising in college newspapers is before the Virginia Supreme Court.

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The justices heard arguments Wednesday on whether the state's definition of college papers includes publications that have a readership that's more than 50 percent age 21 and older. The answer to that question could determine whether the newspapers at the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, which claim a mostly adult readership, are subject to the prohibition against alcohol ads.

The U.Va. and Tech papers challenged the ban in federal court in 2006. A U.S. magistrate judge invalidated the ban but was reversed by a federal appeals court.

Now the magistrate judge is asking the state Supreme Court to clarify the definition of a college newspaper. A ruling is likely in early November.