Call it fewer signs for these times.

Selectman Alan Slavin used the renewal of two liquor store licenses on Tuesday to describe how Selectmen and Director of Inspectional Services David Moore had used the annual license renewal process to enforce adherence to the town’s sign code.

He noted that Moore gets “blown off a lot” by businesses that promise to correct sign violations and then do nothing.

But, he said, “we have one shot a year to show that we are serious” about enforcing the sign bylaw. According to Slavin, this year every liquor store was physically inspected for adherence to the sign bylaw. Those with excess signage were not deemed eligible for license renewal until the extra signs were gone.

Faced with the prospect of not having licenses in force during the holiday season, most stores met the criteria in time to have their licenses approved last week.

Lingering were Mayflower Liquors in East Wareham and Browne’s Package Store on Route 6 on the other side of town. After receiving confirmation that excess signage had been removed, Selectmen approved both renewals on Tuesday.

While lauding the approach taken this year, Selectmen Peter Teitelbaum and Steve Holmes both noted that the town has year-round authority to haul license holders in for a “show cause” hearing should they return to flouting the sign bylaw.

“We have 365 bites at the apple,” said Holmes.