Wetherspoons has become the latest major hospitality chain to ban Meta's smart glasses, often dubbed 'creepy spy glasses', across all of its 800+ pubs in the UK. The pub giant announced the move on August 7, 2026, citing privacy concerns and the need to protect customers and employees from surreptitious recording. Punters wearing the glasses will be instructed to 'turn the cameras off' before entering any Wetherspoon establishment.
Wetherspoons' stance on privacy
The company explained that recording customers or employees without consent is not permitted under its general code of conduct. A spokesperson for Wetherspoons stated: 'Like many hospitality companies, Wetherspoon has CCTV cameras for security reasons, but their use is strictly controlled by data legislation. Apart from that, the general code that applies in our pubs, and most pubs, is that you can't film customers or employees without their permission.'
The spokesperson further elaborated that the decision to ban the glasses aligns with the company's 'instinct' to protect personal space, similar to their efforts to 'stop audible playing of videos in our pubs, which also invades people's space'. The ban comes amid growing public concern over the misuse of wearable recording devices.
Other venues banning Meta glasses
Wetherspoons is not the first to implement such a ban. Soho House, a network of private members' clubs, has also prohibited the glasses, with a spokesperson confirming their 'no filming' rule has no exceptions. Monopoly Events, organizer of major comic and entertainment conventions, announced last month that they would ban 'wearable recording devices' to prevent 'secret filming'. This decision followed feedback from Comic-Con attendees who expressed reluctance to return after being unknowingly videoed. ATG Theatres, which operates venues in Bristol, Edinburgh, and London, has also joined the list of companies prohibiting the glasses.
What are Meta glasses and how do they work?
Meta launched its first generation of smart glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban in September 2021. The second generation, Ray-Ban Meta, arrived in 2023 with Meta AI integration, followed by an additional line of Meta Glasses in June 2026. These latest models have faced widespread criticism and ethical objections, leading to them being colloquially referred to as 'pervert glasses'.
The glasses feature a built-in POV (point of view) camera, open-ear audio, and Bluetooth connectivity. When paired with the Meta app, users can ask questions about their surroundings, such as the weather or product information, and receive answers. They are also praised for allowing wearers to stream music, take calls, and send texts hands-free. A Meta spokesperson highlighted their benefits for 'staying in the moment' and providing 'critical new technology for people who are low-sighted or hard of hearing'.
Design and detection
Despite their sleek design, which resembles regular Ray-Bans, the Meta glasses can be identified by their thicker temples and a small camera lens in the upper right corner. When recording, an LED light in the opposite corner turns on and pulses, serving as a visual indicator. Prices start at £269, with some editions exceeding £400, such as the Kylie Jenner-designed version. Jenner has faced backlash for promoting the glasses, particularly from women concerned about potential misuse for harassment and non-consensual filming.
Market impact and future developments
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, has boasted about the glasses' commercial success, noting they account for over 80% of all AI or smart glasses sales. He described them as 'some of the fastest-growing consumer electronics in history'. However, Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton previously told the BBC that responsible use is crucial: 'We have teams dedicated to limiting and combating misuse, but as with any technology, the onus is ultimately on individual people to not actively exploit it.'
Despite the controversies, the technology appears to be here to stay. Apple is reportedly developing its own version, with a release expected next year. Researchers predict that as many as 100 million people will purchase a pair of smart glasses in the next few years, indicating a significant shift in consumer electronics.
