Scottish pub bosses believe that last week's decision to go for a total smoking ban in Scotland next spring makes a complete ban in England almost certain.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, warned: "It's only a matter of time. The licensed trade in England needs to be very careful, as it is not facing a fair fight."

However, the British Hospitality Association welcomed the suggestion of a complete ban across the UK, saying a level playing field would be better for all businesses. Its deputy chief executive, Martin Couchman, said: "A total ban would be the less confusing and complicated path to follow, especially for overseas visitors."

Waterson also claimed the smoking bill would be the "death-knell" for about 140 medium-sized pubs in Scotland in its first year.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said the Scottish Parliament's decision ignored public opinion. "It is based on fundamentally flawed research and puts at risk the jobs of thousands of bar workers," he said.

But views on Scotland's ban among independent landlords remained mixed.

Colin Watson, owner of Aberdeen free house Under the Hammer, which serves no food and has no garden, welcomed it. "I think there'll be a hiccup with business initially, but it'll recover," he said. "Ultimately, the legislation helps us carry out our duty of care to employees, which you can't argue with."

But Stuart Torrance, manager of the Crooked Arm cellar bar in Stirling, believes his business is facing the end of the line, as 90% of its customers are smokers and the bar has no outside space. "It's terrible news," he said. "There are better ways of protecting the health of workers than putting them out of a job."

Scottish pub trade representatives are now considering a legal challenge to the ban once it comes into force on 26 March.