Traffic streams along Speer Boulevard below Diamond Hill with downtown Denver in the background as night falls Monday, April 21, 2003, after a spring rain enveloped many communities along Colorado's Front Range. Forecasters predict that the rains--and warm weather they have brought--will persist through the week. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER | Health officials in Colorado have released new data indicating that Denver residents have a high rate of binge drinking.

The Denver Post reports the Denver Public Health department’s analysis found that more than one in four Denver residents binge drink.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies binge drinking as five or more drinks for men and four or more for women in a period of two to three hours.

The report says Denver not only exceeds other areas of Colorado, but also has higher rates of binge drinking than Las Vegas, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Austin, Texas, which are considered peer cities.

Officials attribute the difference to the culture of the city, where alcohol is easily accessible due to a high density of bars, breweries and restaurants.

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Information from: The Denver Post, https://www.denverpost.com

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