diff --git a/time_restricted/mod_time_restricted.lua b/time_restricted/mod_time_restricted.lua
index 8ea78bb..39dee5d 100644
--- a/time_restricted/mod_time_restricted.lua
+++ b/time_restricted/mod_time_restricted.lua
@@ -17,19 +17,28 @@ module:hook("muc-room-created", function (event)
 
     -- announce the expiration time
     room:broadcast_message(
-         st.message({ type="groupchat", from=room.jid })
-         :tag("body")
-         :text("The conference will be terminated in "..MIN.." min"))
+        st.message({ type="groupchat", from=room.jid })
+        :tag("body")
+        :text("The conference will be terminated in "..MIN.." min"))
 
-    module:log(LOGLEVEL, "set timeout for conference, %s secs, %s",
-                         TIMEOUT, room.jid)
+    module:log(
+        LOGLEVEL, "set timeout for conference, %s secs, %s",
+        TIMEOUT,
+	room.jid
+    )
 
     timer.add_task(TIMEOUT, function()
         if is_healthcheck_room(room.jid) then
             return
         end
 
+        local occupant_count = it.count(room:each_occupant())
+        if occupant_count == 0 then
+            return
+        end
+
         -- terminate the meeting
+        room:set_persistent(false)
         room:destroy(nil, "The meeting has been terminated")
         module:log(LOGLEVEL, "the conference terminated")
     end)