🔒Wetherspoons Halts Smart Glasses Ban

Pubs Say No to Recording Glasses

Wetherspoons has decided not to ban Meta-style smart glasses outright, instead asking patrons to turn off their cameras and avoid filming within the premises. This decision follows a wave of establishments banning recording glasses due to privacy concerns. The issue is particularly acute because these glasses can record discreetly without drawing attention. Wetherspoons' code prohibits filming employees or other customers without permission, making smart glasses problematic as they enable surreptitious surveillance. The ban on recording with smart glasses extends beyond pubs to include private venues like Soho House and Yellow Book Bar in Brighton, which have outright banned the devices due to privacy issues. Theatre companies ATG Entertainment and Trafalgar Entertainment also prohibit the use of these glasses during performances. UK law does not generally prevent individuals from filming in public spaces but allows private premises to set their own rules. However, smart glasses make enforcing such rules more challenging because recording is less conspicuous than with smartphones.