Australian states have been accused of "nannyism" over a range of new laws beginning this year, including a ban on ladies' nights - where bars offer free drinks to women.

Other new measures include a ban in Victoria on smoking within 50 metres of the beach and guidelines issued to some schools in New South Wales asking parents dropping children off to avoid wearing revealing clothes or racist T-shirts.

The ban on ladies' nights will commence from January 18 in South Australia and was introduced by the state to try to curb binge drinking. The measures also require bars to offer free water and at least one non-alcoholic beverage that is cheaper than the cheapest alcoholic drink.

PJ O'Briens, a bar in Adelaide, said it would change the name of its weekly ladies' nights - a Thursday deal offering free vodka drinks to women - and would allow men to access its promotions.

"As long as you offer the special deals to everyone, it is OK," the manager said.