MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle bar steps up as first to ban Google glasses

Mar 8, 2013, 11:43 AM | Updated: 12:33 pm

A Seattle bar says once Google Glass comes out, it won’t be welcome in their establishment. (...

A Seattle bar says once Google Glass comes out, it won't be welcome in their establishment. (AP Photo/file)

(AP Photo/file)

They’re not even available for purchase yet, but a Seattle bar has already said a new tech accessory from Google will not be allowed at their establishment.

Seattle’s 5 Point Cafe posted a message to their Facebook page saying:

“For the record, The 5 Point is the first Seattle business to ban in advance Google Glasses. And [butt] kickings will be encouraged for violators.”

Google Glass is a new product Google is developing. The eyewear can take pictures, video and display info like mapping directions and social conversations on the small eye viewer.

5 Point owner Dave Meinert acknowledges Seattle is a techie town and sooner or later folks around here will be walking around with the new shades.

“The 5 Point appeals to a wide variety of people,” says Meinert. “Some of the tech geeks come here, we’re close by Amazon […] It’s OK if you wear them. I just don’t want them worn inside.”

His main reason for the ban has to do with preserving patrons’ privacy.

“You have to understand the culture of The 5 Point which is a sometimes seedy, maybe notorious place and I think people want to go there and be not known,” says Meinert, who says patrons of The 5 Point certainly don’t want to be secretly videotaped.

“Part of this is a joke, to be funny on Facebook and get a reaction, but part of it is serious because we don’t let people film other people or take photos unwanted of other people in the bar because it’s kind of a private place people go.”

Google Glass is not available for sale yet, but reports say the specs will be available for purchase by the end of 2013.

Watch Google Video – Google Glass: How it feels:

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Seattle bar steps up as first to ban Google glasses