(a) A protest against a license renewal may be made by: (1) at least 10 signatories who are: (i) residents, commercial tenants who are not holders of or applicants for a license, or real estate owners; and(ii) located in the immediate vicinity of the licensed premises; or(2) the local licensing board on its own initiative.(b)(1) If a protest against renewing a license is filed at least 30 days before the license expires, the local licensing board may not approve the renewal without holding a hearing.(2) The local licensing board shall hear and determine the protest in the same manner as it hears and determines an original application.Amended by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 730, Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2016.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 41, Sec. 2, eff. 7/1/2016.