The glasses, which can record video and take photos, have prompted concerns from some operators over the risk of customers and staff being filmed without consent.
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Martin told The Guardian that the general rule in Wetherspoon pubs, and most pubs, was that customers and employees should not be filmed without their permission.
He said Meta glasses appeared to “breach this code, and common sense” by enabling covert recording.
Martin added that the pubco’s instinct would be to ask customers to turn off the cameras, comparing the issue to Wetherspoon’s efforts to stop people playing videos out loud in pubs.
Opposing view
However, chef and publican Tom Kerridge, said he did not have concerns about the glasses.
Kerridge told The Guardian: “I have no problem whatsoever with them.”
He said filming was now part of daily life and suggested the technology could be used in creative ways, rather than being viewed negatively from the outset.
Venue policies
The issue has also prompted responses from restaurants, members’ clubs and theatres.
Restaurateur Jeremy King, whose London venues include Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington and The Park, told The Guardian he would not knowingly allow an invasion of guest privacy in his restaurants.
Soho House also said filming was not allowed in its venues, while ATG Theatres said customers wearing the glasses during performances would be asked to remove them.
Meta said privacy safeguards had been built into the glasses, including a capture LED that flashes when photos or videos are taken and cannot be switched off.
The technology company said the camera would be disabled if the LED was covered or damaged.
