Just had a look at some secondary research here and some of these articles are rather interesting and certainly highlight the importance of pubs when it comes to community:

This one for example shows how they're keeping villages alive and discuss the social clubs which arise from the pub creating a close-knit community and that they are "more important to rural community life than the local church "

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/countryside/11159499/Pubs-keeping-English-villages-alive-study.html

Events in which pubs create are also very important, not only for business, for society also as highlighted by fundraisers for charities. It also discusses the reasons as to why more charity fundraisers would draw customers into pubs, showing the importance of helping out society

http://howtorunapub.co.uk/charity-fundraising/

Also this article highlights the importance of live music events in pubs and how it can effect the surrounding area, as well as giving a chance for talented musicians to be scouted. Not only is live music in pubs vital to young hopefuls, but it also brings in customers to the pubs which is vital for business:

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/mar/15/immigrationpolicy.communities