Md. Code, Alc. Bev. & Cannabis § 36-411

(a) (1) A protest against a license renewal may be filed with the Administration by at least 10 individuals who are: (i) residents, commercial tenants who are not holders of or applicants for a license, or real estate owners; and (ii) located within 1,000 feet of the licensed premises. (2) A protest against a license renewal shall: (i) be on the basis of: 1. a violation of this title; 2. a violation of civil or criminal law; 3. conduct by a licensee that creates or maintains conditions that allow other individuals to act in a manner that disturbs the public peace, including: A. obstruction of public rights–of–way by unruly crowds; B. assault, battery, or other disorderly conduct that disturbs the public peace; C. vandalism; or D. littering; or 4. any other violation established by the Administration by regulation; and (ii) be signed under oath. (b) (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a protest against a license renewal is filed at least 30 days before the license expires, the Administration may not approve the renewal without holding a hearing. (2) The Administration may approve a license renewal without a hearing if the Administration finds that the basis of the protest filed against the renewal is without any reasonable ground. (c) In hearing and making a determination on a protest filed against a license renewal, the Administration: (1) may consider only: (i) issues arising out of specific complaints about the operation of the licensed premises; and (ii) the performance of the license holder for the 4–year period immediately preceding the date of the renewal application; and (2) may not consider zoning issues. (d) The Administration may adopt regulations to implement this section.