(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.
Maryland Legal Code