A protest against a license renewal may be made by at least 10 signatories who are: residents, commercial tenants who are not holders of or applicants for a license, or real estate owners; and located in the immediate vicinity of the licensed premises. 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. The Executive Director shall hear and determine the protest in the same manner as the Executive Director hears and determines an original application.