The University of Maryland has approved a trial plan for the school to sell beer at its football stadium and other athletic venues beginning this fall.



The student-initiated plan will be announced Thursday in an open letter to the campus. The Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners, which holds final approval authority, will address the proposal during a public hearing July 8.



If the plan is approved, Maryland would join several dozen universities that permit alcohol to be sold to the public at athletic events.



The plan calls for university dining services to begin beer and wine sales at athletic venues, including 54,000-seat Byrd Stadium and the 17,950-seat Xfinity Center.



The proposal is controversial and is opposed by some ono campus as well as prominent public health advocates.