NEW YORK CITY - The Hispanic Federation and the NAACP have partnered with other groups in a lawsuit to stop New York City€™s ban on soft drinks larger than 16 ounces, the National Post/Associated Press reports. The two minority-rights organizations say the ban will not help curb obesity, but will damage minority-owned retailers and small businesses.

"We€™re paying taxes like every other store. €¦We should have the same rights that everybody else," said Yolanda Peralta, who manages a deli store in East Harlem.

During the initial courtroom proceeding, lawyers for beverage manufacturers, restaurateurs and minority supporters called the ban "ham-handed," "plain silly," and "grossly unfair." The judge did not immediately issue a ruling.

Opponents of the ban will request New York Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling to halt enforcement of the ban while the lawsuit is still unresolved. New York will fight such a motion.

The ban only applies to retailers subjected to city health regulations, which excludes numerous convenience and grocery stores. The city recently announced it would not levy fines for three months on restaurants and other businesses not in compliance with the ban.