Outrage as nightclubs 'disgrace' Anzac Day celebrations with raunchy promos

A number of Australian nightclubs have been slammed for using raunchy Anzac Day promos. Photo / Colombian Hotel / Stonewall

Nightclubs are hosting ''best abs'' and ''sexy sailor'' competitions for Anzac Day events, with nearly-nude models dressed as suggestive soldiers.

A topless sailor stands next to Australian Flags and fighter jets in promotional pictures for Anzac Day events at Stonewall Hotel on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst.

The Sydney club is hosting ''best abs'' and ''sexy sailor'' competitions. Stonewall will be collecting donations for Soldier On, a charity which provides counselling, employment and education for veterans and their families, the website shows.

The Colombian Hotel used an image of a topless man wearing camouflage shorts and war paint to promote ''Anzac Week'' celebrations at the Darlinghurst venue, the Daily Mail Online reported.

The Watershed in Darling Harbour had used photos of Rihanna and The Weeknd wearing camouflage to promote Anzac events.

The imagery, first reported by Daily Telegraph, appears to have been taken down from the venue's website and social media.

A spokesperson said the reference to ''Anzac Day eve'' was merely to provide the date for the event.

The Colombian Hotel used an image of a topless man wearing camouflage shorts and war paint to promote 'Anzac Week' celebrations at the Darlinghurst venue. Photo / Colombian Hotel / Facebook

Military personnel will receive a discount on the day and donations will be raised for veterans, the spokesperson told Daily Telegraph.

NSW Veteran Affairs Minister David Elliot said he would not hesitate to refer unauthorised use of the Anzac name to the Commonwealth for investigation.

"I am concerned at the way 'Anzac' is used for commercial gain without any apparent consideration to veterans and war widows," the minister said.

"I will be referring any examples of the illegal use of the word to the Commonwealth for investigation and prosecution and would remind all Australians that the term 'Anzac' is governed by federal legislation.

"As long as I am the minister I will not allow individuals or organisations to use the day we commemorate the sacrifice of 100,000 fellow countrymen and women in any way that disrespects their legacy."

A topless sailor stands next to Australian Flags and fighter jets in promotional pictures for Anzac Day events at Stonewall Hotel on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. Photo / Stonewall

Anzac Day events are common among Australian pubs, with two-up gambling game legal only on April 25 each year.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Stonewall, Colombian Hotel and Watershed for comment.