In Finland the smoker's rights were reduced in March 2000 when the new law regarding smoking in the public was issued. Smoking is prohibited near bar counters if the workers can't be protected from the smoke. Restaurants over 50 square meters in size must be declared smoke-free after a transitional period of one year. Separate rooms may be arranged for smoking customers but they shall not take more than 50% of the restaurant's overall size. Several other limitations also exist, making this law the most strict in its kind in Europe.