(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.