Tax officials have launched a crackdown on Kent restaurants.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has set up a taskforce to recover an estimated £2.5m from tax dodgers across the county and the rest of the south east.

Taskforces undertake intensive bursts of activity in high risk trade sectors and locations. They visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.

The “restaurant” team is one of 30 taskforces launched by HMRC since May 2011 as part of the Government’s aim to cut evasion and raise an additional £7bn a year by 2014/15.

David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary, said: “We have made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and we are determined to crack down on the minority who choose to break the rules.

"Everyone needs to pay the taxes they owe in full. It is not fair that at a time when most hard-working people are paying the right tax, others are trying to get out of paying what they should.”

HMRC’s Mike Eland, enforcement and compliance director general, had this message for restaurant owners: “If you have paid all your taxes you have nothing to worry about.

"But for those deliberately evading tax, be warned that HMRC is coming after you. This is not an empty threat - HMRC can and will track you down if you choose to break the rules.

"We are on target to collect more than £50 million as a result of taskforces launched in 2011/12.”

The public and other “whistleblowers” have been urged to report suspicions of tax evasion by ringing 0800 788 887. More details at www.hmrc.gov.uk