The Czech Health Ministry is drafting an amendment to a decree that could significantly impact the e-cigarette industry. The proposed changes would prohibit all flavours except tobacco, as well as sweeteners and other additives commonly used in e-cigarette liquids. These regulations would apply solely to vaping products, leaving traditional cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives unaffected. Industry representatives have responded with alarm, warning that this move could lead to the collapse of the entire sector. “We are stunned. Without any prior consultation, the ministry is essentially planning to ban e-cigarettes in the Czech Republic,” said Robert Hrdlička, chairman of the Chamber of Electronic Vaping (KEVAP). He argued that without the now-banned ingredients, tobacco-flavoured e-liquids would be unsellable. “The ministry is imposing an amateurish and uninformed view on what tobacco should taste like,” Hrdlička added. In addition, a new excise tax on e-cigarettes is set to take effect in September, with further increases planned in the coming years. “The government’s approach is entirely illogical. First, they encourage e-cigarettes as a tool to reduce smoking, and now they’re essentially banning them,” Hrdlička criticized. Experts in the e-cigarette field warn that such a ban could push users back to conventional cigarettes or encourage smuggling...
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a warning for unusually high mosquito activity this weekend. The alert is valid nationwide and advises residents to be prepared for an increased presence of mosquitoes. “In certain parts of the Czech Republic, current weather conditions favor intense mosquito activity, which could be particularly severe. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, still air with high humidity,” the agency announced on the social platform X. The recent heavy rainfall has also contributed to the surge in mosquito numbers by creating ideal breeding grounds for larvae. The institute explained, “Not only do favorable weather conditions play a role, but population dynamics— which differ among mosquito species— also influence their prevalence.” The peak of mosquito activity is expected on Saturday and Sunday, with signs of increased activity already noticeable by Friday afternoon, particularly in the Hradec Králové and Liberec regions. Maps shared by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute show that few areas across the country will be spared from these persistent pests. However, by Sunday, some relief is anticipated, especially in regions like Vysočina, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, and Liberec. Mosquito development is largely driven by weather conditions, particularly temperature and humidity. Warmer temperatures shorten the time it takes for...
The village of Soutice sits on the border of the Kutná Hora and Benešov districts. A road leading from the D1 motorway to Zruč nad Sázavou runs through the edge of the village, adding to the appeal of the local castle. This protected cultural monument, with a total land area of 50,133 square meters, is now on the market. Built in the late 17th century on the site of a former fortress, the Soutice chateau has been a cultural monument since the late 1950s. Conservationists describe the well-preserved structure as a valuable example of an aristocratic country residence. During a building history survey, Gothic masonry was found within the walls of the current structure, placing the castle on the list of endangered monuments. The castle suffered significant damage from a major fire in 1895 and underwent its last major restoration in the early 20th century. Like many historical sites, it was negatively impacted by the regime and poorly planned renovations in the years that followed. Before World War II, the castle was a hub of cultural activity. In the post-war years, it served as a school and later as an archive. A Surprising Price The property for sale includes the...
Czech beer exports dropped by 4.3% in 2023, falling to 5.7 million hectolitres, according to data from the Czech Association of Brewers. This decline mirrors the overall stagnation in the global beer market, with consumption still below pre-COVID-19 levels and not expected to fully recover until 2027, according to Statista. Despite this dip, more than one in four Czech beers is exported, making the international market crucial for local brewers. While overall Czech beer exports have nearly tripled over the past 25 years, recent declines have not affected all brewers equally. Heineken, in particular, saw its export volume drop by over half, losing 265,000 hectolitres. This reduction, attributed to either market shifts in Russia or changes in Heineken’s European export strategy, knocked the company from fourth to fifth among Czech exporters. Despite this, Heineken’s domestic sales remained stable. Plzeňský Prazdroj, the dominant player in both the domestic and export markets, also experienced a decline, with a 7.25% drop in physical exports. However, when including licensed production brewed abroad, Prazdroj’s overall export volume remained relatively steady. Pilsner Urquell, its flagship product, continues to be brewed exclusively in Plzen, while the more mainstream Kozel brand is also produced under license internationally. Budvar’s...
The Czech Republic is set to experience its hottest week of the year, with local thunderstorms and the risk of intense downpours, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). Meteorologists warn that the latter part of the week will be particularly uncomfortable due to increased humidity. On Monday and Tuesday, temperatures in the lowlands will exceed 30°C, with southern Moravia experiencing the highest temperatures of up to 35°C. The first thunderstorms, potentially bringing heavy rain and minor hail, may occur in southwest and western Bohemia. By Wednesday, the western regions of Bohemia could begin to feel the effects of a temperature shift. “Thunderstorms will be widespread in Bohemia, and could bring localized heavy rainfall and possibly small hail. However, some areas, especially in Moravia and Silesia, might not see any rain at all,” meteorologists stated. Wednesday is likely to be the warmest day of the week, with high humidity making the afternoon particularly muggy in Bohemia. On Thursday, temperatures are expected to drop below 30°C in most regions, except for Moravia and Silesia. Friday’s forecast remains uncertain, but a significant cooldown is anticipated over the weekend. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
A kangaroo that escaped from Jiřice Prison in Nymburk has returned voluntarily after a week on the run. The kangaroo is in good health but was hungry when he returned. He is now safely back in his enclosure with the other kangaroo, the prison reported on the X network. Last Saturday, two kangaroos managed to escape from their enclosure. While one was quickly recaptured, the other evaded capture for a week despite remaining nearby. “Today, he hopped back into the prison on his own,” the prison stated. “The convicts and a keeper then trapped him using a volleyball net and returned him to the enclosure in a sling.” Uprchlík z jiřické věznice je zpět. Klokan rudokrký si užíval svobody přesně týden. Dnes přihopsal do veznice sám a dobrovolně, následně jej odsouzení a chovatel lapili do volejbalové sítě a ve sklopci přenesli do výběhu k druhému klokanovi. Uprchlík je hladový, ale v pořádku. pic.twitter.com/ghWkl2TfWJ — Vězeňská služba České republiky (@vezenskasluzba) August 10, 2024 Jiřice Prison operates as an open prison and includes a kennel that houses several animals, including kangaroos. These animals play a significant role in the therapeutic programs for inmates. Kangaroos have been kept at the prison since 2018,...
Former North Dakota lawmaker Ray Holmberg pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a charge that he traveled to Europe with the intent to pay for sex with a minor. Ray Holmberg, 80, admitted in court that he had paid young male masseuses, with some of whom he had sexual contact, during multiple visits to Prague, though he said he did not know for certain how old they were. Holmberg was indicted in October 2023 for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity and receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material. The Republican served more than 45 years in the North Dakota Senate before resigning in 2022. Under a plea agreement he signed in June, Holmberg agreed to plead guilty to the former charge, and prosecutors would move to dismiss the latter and recommend a sentence at the low end of the guideline range. Judge Daniel Hovland accepted his plea and allowed Holmberg to remain released, with restrictions, until a later sentencing hearing. Wearing a dark suit, the disgraced former lawmaker declined to comment after the hearing. The travel charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervised release....
Even though the popularity of names shifts from year to year, some names consistently remain favorites. The Czech Statistical Office has recently published the latest list of popular baby names in the country. For the thirteenth year in a row, Jakub secured the top spot among boys’ names. Matyáš came in second, narrowly edging out Jan, who took third place. Dominik made the most significant leap in the top ten over the past 13 years, climbing from 15th to 7th place. Top 10 Boys’ Names: Jakub Matyáš Jan Adam Vojtěch Dominik David Tomáš Filip Daniel Among girls, Eliška has been the most popular name since 2012, when it replaced Tereza. Viktorie took the second spot this year, a significant jump from 16th place back in 2010. Anna secured the third position. “Interestingly, the top ten girls’ names have remained mostly unchanged from the previous year, with the only exceptions being Emma and Adéla swapping places, and Julie breaking into the top ten, pushing Nela out,” noted the Czech Statistical Office. Top 10 Girls’ Names: Eliška Viktoria Anna Sofie Natálie Tereza Emma Adéla Amálie Julie The name Isabela made the most impressive leap among girls, climbing 52 spots from 143rd to...
Prague’s hotels and other accommodations hosted more than 2 million guests in the second quarter of this year, a 6.8 percent increase compared to last year. While foreign visitors increased, domestic tourist numbers fell. Total overnight stays rose by five percent, reaching 4.64 million nights, as reported by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO). This growth was largely due to the World Hockey Championship held in Prague and Ostrava in May. In the second quarter, about 405,000 domestic guests stayed in Prague’s hotels, guesthouses, campsites, and other public facilities, a two percent decrease year-on-year. In contrast, foreign tourists numbered around 1.68 million, marking a 9.2 percent increase from the same period last year. Foreigners accounted for 3.97 million of the total overnight stays, while Czech citizens accounted for approximately 671,600 nights. On average, each guest stayed for 2.2 nights. Foreign tourists stayed an average of 2.4 nights, compared to 1.7 nights for Czech guests. Germany provided the largest number of foreign visitors, with over 290,800 guests. The United States followed with about 138,760 visitors, and Poland with 110,580. The hockey championship in May drew many international sports fans to Prague. According to statistics, the countries with the highest year-on-year increase in...
Starting in 2025, Airbnb landlords in the Czech Republic will face stricter regulations. They will be required to register their guests through the e-Turista portal, and municipalities will gain more authority to regulate short-term accommodations via online platforms. “Municipalities could enforce stricter regulations, such as limiting the months when short-term rentals are allowed. This approach is already in place in other parts of the world,” says Regional Development Minister Ivan Bartoš. Prague has previously tried to regulate Airbnb and similar platforms without success. “This is a significant change. The government recognizes that the state loses nearly CZK 800 million in taxes annually due to insufficient regulation. Additionally, municipalities lose about CZK 55 million annually in residence fees,” explains tax consultant Michal Dvořáček. Although exact figures are unavailable, the Ministry of Industry and Trade estimates that 40 to 70 percent of stays on these platforms go unreported in the Czech Republic. Besides Airbnb, international companies such as Wimdu, Booking.com, and Vrbo operate in the local short-term rental market, while Czech companies like E-chalupy and Chata.cz focus on out-of-town stays. Registration via the e-Turista Portal The new amendment will require short-term accommodation providers to register guests through the e-Turista portal. Each accommodation...
Nikolai Lischenyuk, a key ally of Russian Patriarch Kirill and leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Czechia, has been expelled by Czech authorities due to national security concerns. As Deník N reports, Czech authorities revoked Lishchenuk’s permanent residence and ordered him to leave the country. Despite his repeated attempts to overturn this decision over the past year, he was unsuccessful. According to security services, Lishchenuk had established an influence network with the support of Russian state authorities, posing a potential threat to national security. Nikolai Lishchenuk, 51, arrived in the Czech Republic around 2000. According to his official biography, he initially worked at the Russian embassy in Prague. Later, he served at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary. By 2009, he had risen to a high-ranking position within the Russian Orthodox Church, overseeing its entire Czech branch under the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Last April, the Czech government placed Patriarch Kirill on the national sanctions list. This move did not seem to affect Kirill directly, as he resides in Moscow. Following the aggression against Ukraine, Lishchenuk also relocated to Moscow, which led to career advancement within the church. As reported by iDnes.cz, Kirill...
If extraterrestrials reach Earth while traveling through space, a contact center is now open for them in the Czech Republic. The initiative, primarily a humorous effort by astronomers, aims to educate the public about unusual phenomena in the sky and promote science. “We’ve created a special email for extraterrestrials to report their visit in advance. For earthlings, we’ve launched a website where they can report anything unusual they see in the sky, including UFOs. We will then try to explain these phenomena,” Jiří Dušek, the director of the observatory, said to Novinky.cz The idea to open a contact point for extraterrestrials in the Czech Republic came from a sci-fi fan meeting during the Planet Brno Festival. Two years ago, over 5,000 enthusiasts gathered around giant inflatable models of planets, similar to those in the Star Wars saga. “Representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations will receive a warm welcome, complete with free Wi-Fi and entry to all programs about space, as well as cultural events,” Dušek said with a smile. Upon arrival, extraterrestrial visitors will be greeted by two mini extraterrestrial figurines named Fegurds, created by sculptor Václav Sigerson Kostohryz. Another Fegurd statue is located within the observatory. Aleš Svoboda, the Czech backup...
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