Northern Ireland's hospitality sector says no Executive guidance has been issued for venues on Covid vaccine passports, which come into effect next week and will be legally enforceable two weeks later.
From next Monday, customers attending hospitality venues including nightclubs, pubs or restaurants will have to provide a Covid vaccine passport or proof of a negative lateral flow test.
The new rule comes into effect from November 29 but won't be enforced until December 13.
Stormont ministers backed the controversial measure earlier this month.
Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill said on Friday that businesses need clarity on how the new system will operate, adding that those in the industry were frustrated but not surprised.
Speaking to BBC Good Morning Ulster, Mr Neill described the system as "flawed".
"How does a business prepare its staff, how does it train its staff to check this?" he said.
He understands that the electronics with regard to scanning and the app are all ready to go but the legislation is still with the Department of Health.
"What we've seen historically is the legislation comes at the last minute and I'll expect it some time this weekend," he added.
"We'll have to look at this and turn it into guidance for the industry, so you're creating a delay right down the system."
Mr Neill said he would be "surprised" if the finalised legislation reflected what the hospitality industry was initially told about the rules.
The hospitality boss said there are also questions around whether the rules will come into force at point of entry or point of service.
He cited the example of fast food restaurants, where staff don't know if a customer plans to eat their meal on the premises or takeaway until they order their food.
Bob McCoubrey, owner of Mourne Seafood Restaurants, added: "I'm on the NI Direct website at the minute and under the hospitality section there's no mention of Covid passports or lateral flow tests, it hasn't been updated.
"There's a link for further advice and guidance that takes you to the Tourism NI website and it hasn't been updated either. There's no information for ourselves and there's no information for the customers."
The Department of Health said in a statement: "Officials from both the Executive Office and the Department of Health have met with and will hold further meetings with affected sectors to brief them on requirements and address requests for information.
"Initial guidance for venues and event organisers has been published online and is available at: COVIDCert NI Verifier App - Guidance for Venues & event Organisers using the App - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Northern Ireland.
"This will be further supplemented with resources on GDPR requirements and technical deployment of digital verification."
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