LONDON, March 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Staff fromHMRC, Kent Police Licensingand the SIA made a series of unannounced visits to night-time economy venues across Canterbury city centre on the eveningof 6March to check for compliance in their respectiveareas of interest.The government agencies combined theirexpertiseto addresssuspectedtax evasion, unlawful employment, and worker exploitation in high‑risk night‑time sectors.
Representatives fromHMRC investigatedpayroll and tax arrangements at different venues, while SIA investigations officers ensured security staff were correctlylicensedand working under fair conditions. Officers fromKent Police Licensing focused on the safety of the venues andcheckedforpotential safeguarding concerns.
SIA investigations officersexaminedsecurityoperatives from10different security providersduring 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 is all part of work to tackle non-compliance in the night-time economy and close the tax gap, securing and protecting millions of pounds for our vital public services.
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 areoperatingwithin the law and taking their responsibilities seriously.
Joint operations with partners such as HMRC also allow us to gather crucial information about door staff and the companies employing them, particularly around PAYE compliance within the security sector.
Kent Police remain committed to working closely with our partner agencies to disrupt illegal activity in Canterbury's night-time economy.
David Conyers, Investigations Officerat the SIA, said:
This joint operation clearlydemonstratesthe value of co-operation betweengovernment agencies for all partiesto support public safety.I'dlike to thank our colleagues in HMRC and Kent Police fortheir hard work in making this operation happen.
Background
By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information aboutSIA enforcement and penaltiescan be found onGOV.UK/SIA.
The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of thePrivate Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
Media Enquiries
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Email media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk
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