# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 36. Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis

### Subtitle 4. Cannabis Licensing

#### Section 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Alco. Bev. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)