SIA completes joint Canterbury operation with HMRC and Kent Police

Staff from HMRC, Kent Police Licensing and the SIA made a series of unannounced visits to night-time economy venues across Canterbury city centre on the evening of 6 March to check for compliance in their respective areas of interest. The Government agencies combined their expertise to address suspected tax evasion, unlawful employment and worker exploitation in high‑risk night‑time sectors.

Representatives from HMRC investigated payroll and tax arrangements at different venues, while SIA investigations officers ensured security staff were correctly licensed and working under fair conditions. Officers from Kent Police Licensing focused on the safety of the venues and checked for potential safeguarding concerns.

SIA investigations officers examined security operatives from ten different security providers during the operation. Every single one was found to be correctly licensed: a 100% compliance rate. This collaboration supports a safe, fair and well-regulated working environment by ensuring venues meet their legal responsibilities and that workers are treated fairly and lawfully.

An HMRC spokesperson said: “We actively work with our partners in the SIA to educate and support workers in the industry on tax and employment issues. 

It’s all part of work to tackle non-compliance in the night-time economy and close the tax gap, in turn securing and protecting millions of pounds for our vital public services.”

Within the law

Kent Police Licensing officer PC Danielle Rolfe said: “During our night-time economy visit in Canterbury city centre, our officers carried out licensing checks to ensure venues are operating within the law and taking their responsibilities seriously.”

Rolfe continued: “Joint operations with partners such as HMRC also allow us to gather crucial information about door staff and the companies employing them, particularly so around PAYE compliance within the security sector. Kent Police remains committed to working closely with our partner agencies to disrupt illegal activity in Canterbury’s night-time economy.”

David Conyers, investigations officer at the SIA, concluded: “This joint operation clearly demonstrates the value of co-operation between Government agencies for all parties to support public safety. I would like to thank our colleagues in HMRC and Kent Police for their hard work in making this operation happen.”