(1) A protest letter as described in 16-4-207, MCA, must:

(a) contain statement(s) of the writer's intent that the letter be considered a protest;

(b) describe the reason for protesting the granting of a license; and

(c) identify the appropriate action by:

(i) providing the license number and accurate trade name or applicant name in a case of a transfer; or

(ii) the trade name and applicant name and stating that it is for a new application for an original Montana all-alcoholic beverages license.

(2) A protest letter containing multiple signatures is considered one protest letter.

(3) If the grounds stated in the letter of protest contain public convenience and necessity issues, the prerequisite number of protest letters required to initiate a public convenience and necessity hearing, as defined in 16-4-207, MCA, must be received.

(4) Any protest letter failing to meet the criteria in (1) , (2) , and (3) by the protest deadline will not be considered.