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TOP 09 and Public Affairs are seeking an amendment to the law which would see the use of lasers banned in the vicinity of all Czech airports. The proposed amendment, which is yet to be discussed by the lower house, envisages a five million crown fine for breaking the ban in a given security zone around airports. The proposal comes in the wake of numerous complaints from pilots who say that lasers blind them and endanger passenger safety during take-offs and landings. Civic Democrat MP Zdeněk Lhota, who drafted the proposed amendment, says there have been at least eight such incidents in the vicinity of Prague Airport in the past year.

The number of distraint orders has dropped after climbing steadily since 2001, according to figures released by the office responsible for property seizures. With just over 300,000 property seizures registered in the first six months, the overall number of repossessions in 2010 is expected to be lower than last years’ 718,000. 2009 saw a dramatic 30 percent increase in repossessions as the crisis hit family budgets. Economists attribute the current drop to a more prudent lending policy on the part of banks and monetary institutions.

Voters from two peripheral municipalities in Brno - Přířenice and Dolní Heršpice – are deciding in a referendum whether to remain part of the Moravian capital or form a separate municipality. Voting began at 9 am on Sunday. The referendum is the initiative of a civic association protesting plans by the city to develop local property near existing homes in an area known as Slunná louka. Activists and locals have criticised the city’s development plan that would allow for robust real estate and industrial development. If more than 50 percent of inhabitants vote for the areas to separate, it will be the first official shrinking of the city’s perimeter in its history. Přířenice and Dolní Heršpice have been part of Brno since 1919.

Southern Moravia has been celebrating “vinobraní” – in other words the results of this year’s grape harvest. At the weekend the towns of Znojmo and Mikulov, which are steeped in the wine-making tradition, saw festivities kick-off with many thousands of people taking part. As every year, celebrations included the consumption of the young Czech wine burčák. Producers say wine production suffered this year due to poor weather conditions but said visitors and attendees at the weekend celebrations enjoyed themselves none the less. This year’s festivities included local parades on Sunday led by actors portraying King Václav IV and his retinue. Actress Jitka Schneiderová – who hails from the region – was among those taking part.