Impact of the LCBO strike on Ontario emergency department visits with an alcohol-related chief complaint: a natural experiment in alcohol policy

BackgroundAlcohol is a leading preventable cause of death and disability in Canada. Alcohol-related emergency department (ED) visits place a substantial burden on the health system, with evidence that greater alcohol availability contributes to higher utilization and related harms. The July 2024 Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) strike provided a natural experiment to evaluate the impact o...