Licensees fear they could be left with only six months to prepare for the smoking ban if guidelines are delayed until early 2007.
The concern is if the guidance for the legislation is issued at the last minute, as it was in the case of the Licensing Act, it could shorten the time licensees have to adapt their businesses.
All the major trade associations are joining together to lobby the Department of Health (DOH) calling for a quick decision on the details of the legislation.
The bill is expected to go to the House of Lords at the beginning of March although it is thought they are likely to follow the Commons' lead and vote for a full ban including members clubs.
The guidance is expected to deal with details such as what is the definition of an outside area, planning permission, the costs of signage and who will enforce the ban.
Even more importantly, any licensee wanting to serve alcohol in a new outside area for smokers could have to reapply for their premises licence, costing literally thousands of pounds in applications and new plans.
Neil Williams, spokesman for British Beer & Pub Association, said: "There is not much time to tackle these issues.
"We need to know the definition of an outside area. The devil is in the detail. We want a standard approach such as the guidance issued to local authorities."
Danny Scott, licensee of Rick's Bar in Greenwich, South London, has a smoking pub with no garden. He said: "Our local council is a nightmare. As far as getting tables and chairs outside my pub goes, it will be impossible."
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "We want the guidance to be passed by November and we are working with other trade associations to put pressure on the DOH to have things sorted on time."