(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.