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

2 brida the pig...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘I think my landlord and my neighbor are hiding her’: Vashon Island woman says 350-pound pig was stolen over political dispute

Julia Carlson's 350-pound pig Brida was stolen from her Vashon Island property on the busiest weekend of the year.

21 minutes ago

mariners home run ball...

Frank Lenzi

Mariners fan takes home run ball to face, but gets signed apology from Julio and message from favorite player Muñoz

Longtime Seattle Mariners fan Nikki Jones went to T-Mobile Park Tuesday night hoping to score an Andrés Muñoz bobblehead.

58 minutes ago

kent syria join isis...

Jason Sutich

21-year-old Kent man admits plot to join ISIS in Syria, faces up to 20 years

A 21-year-old Kent resident pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material in support of a foreign terrorist organization after he planned to join ISIS.

2 hours ago

seattle bridges...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

How does SDOT cool down Seattle’s bridges during extreme heat?

Extreme heat can cause damage to our roads and bridges.

2 hours ago

Seattle City council Katie Wilson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Mayor Katie Wilson’s press secretary leaving after less than 7 months

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's press secretary, Sage Wilson, is leaving after less than seven months on the job, PubliCola reported Wednesday.

3 hours ago

rogoff trump attorney...

Luke Duecy

Fired Washington U.S. Attorney Roger Rogoff sues Trump, acting attorney general over removal

Former interim U.S. Attorney Roger Rogoff has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.

3 hours ago

Seattle bar steps up as first to ban Google glasses