Tokyo's metropolitan assembly has passed an ordinance to deter harassment of service workers by customers. This is the first such rule enacted by a local government in Japan.

The Tokyo assembly approved the ordinance unanimously on Friday.

The rule defines customer harassment as "acts by customers causing workers significant inconvenience and hurting their working environment." It also states that individuals are prohibited from committing such an act.

The ordinance stipulates that customers, workers and business operators are responsible to take action to prevent customer harassment.

It also requires people to be careful not to unjustly infringe on customers' rights.

The rule carries no penalties. It will come into effect on April 1 next year.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko told a news conference that she believes the ordinance will function as a unique model for efforts to safeguard comfortable lives of consumers and business continuity.

She added that she wants to work out specific guidelines so that the rule will be properly used in workplaces.