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:

MyNorthwest News

crash kenmore air bad weather...

Frank Lenzi

NTSB: Kenmore Air floatplane was diverting for bad weather when it crashed near Sucia Island

A preliminary report NTSB said the Kenmore Air floatplane that crashed near Sucia Island on July 23 was trying to divert when it went down.

3 hours ago

bellevue fire...

MyNorthwest Staff

3 firefighters injured while battling blaze at Bellevue office building

Three firefighters were injured while battling a blaze at an office building in Bellevue.

5 hours ago

west seattle shooting shot...

Jason Sutich

One person shot in West Seattle, suspect at large

A shooting investigation is underway after one person was shot in West Seattle, and the suspect remains at large.

6 hours ago

missing kent wsp 11 days...

Frank Sumrall

WSP issues Endangered Missing Person Alert for Kent man who’s been missing for 11 days

A 35-year-old man from Kent has been missing for 11 days, causing Washington State Patrol to activate a statewide Endangered Missing Person Advisory.

8 hours ago

tacoma homicide...

James Lynch

Third suspect arrested in Aug. 7 homicide in Tacoma

The Tacoma Police Department arrested a third suspect in connection with a deadly shooting earlier this month in the city’s North End.

8 hours ago

Katie Wilson (5)...

Brooke Griffin, KIRO 7 News

‘It is a high bar’: Inside the petition to recall Mayor Katie Wilson

A judge is set to hear a recall petition against Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.

9 hours ago

Seattle bar steps up as first to ban Google glasses