For the second time in two months this week the Edgartown selectmen approved a liquor license swap between two downtown liquors stores, one seasonal, the other year-round.

The owners of Great Harbor Gourmet and Provisions on Main street and Town Provision Inc. on Mayhew Lane want to trade licenses. Still subject to approval by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), the trade is intended to allow Town Provision owner Brion McGroarty to stay open year-round, and Great Harbor owner Ben Hall Jr. to be open seasonally.

The selectmen approved the license swap in November, but the transfer was rejected by the ABCC because the town did not advertise the hearing properly in the newspaper (the ad did not include the fact that the location was changing as well as the license).

By the time the ABCC decision came through, Great Harbor had already closed its doors for the season. Then Town Provision, still the holder of a seasonal license, was forced to close Jan. 15.

This week another hearing was held, but due to another advertising mistake the selectmen were only able to approve half the swap. The second half of the swap is expected to be approved at the next selectmen’s meeting on Monday.

Meanwhile, both liquor stores remain closed.

There are questions about whether the swap is intended to help Mr. McGoarty in a possible purchase of the Nectar’s nightclub near the airport, for conversion to a year-round liquor store. Mr. McGroarty has refused to comment on the matter.

In other business Monday, selectmen voted to allow a license for Hertz to operate an auto rental business out of the A-A Island auto rental location on Upper Main street. A-A Island owner Brian Nelson said the company has entered into a purchase agreement with Hertz as well as a long-term lease.