(a) A protest against a license renewal may be made by at least 10 signatories who are: (1) residents, commercial tenants who are not holders of or applicants for a license, or real estate owners; and(2) located in the immediate vicinity of the licensed premises.(b)(1) If a protest against renewing a license is filed at least 30 days before the license expires, the Executive Director may not approve the renewal without holding a hearing.(2) The Executive Director shall hear and determine the protest in the same manner as the Executive Director hears and determines an original application.Amended by 2023 Md. Laws, Ch. 450, Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2023.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 41, Sec. 2, eff. 7/1/2016.