I haven't got a clue as the to differences ( if any ) between the lasers used for public laser shows / displays etc, which are designed so that the beam is visible to the spectators on the ground, and the laser pointer type of device, where the higher powered versions - often purchased outside the UK, are brought into the UK and are used to target aircraft - particularly the emergency services.
There is an obvious difference in a pilot being aware of a light show, and determining that it is safe to fly through it / near it, and the case where a pilot might be operating at night and is SUDDENLY attacked by one of these things.
In the UK the CAA are obviously taking the matter seriously, and I have it on good authority that in the very near future the ANO will be ammended to make it a specific offence to shine a laser or other bright light at an aircraft ( in flight ? ), removing the need to prove any sort of intent or persistence as in a case of "Endangering an aircraft"
