NEW YORK - - Opponents of New York City's limit on the size of sugary drinks are raising questions of racial fairness alongside other complaints as the novel restriction faces a court test.

The NAACP's New York state branch and the Hispanic Federation have joined beverage makers and sellers in trying to stop the rule from taking effect March 12. A hearing is set today.

Critics call the regulation inconsistent and undemocratic. The minority advocacy groups say the soda rule will unduly harm minority businesses and "freedom of choice in low-income communities."

City officials and health experts say it's a pioneering and proper move to fight obesity.

The city Board of Health approved the measure in September. It bars restaurants and many other eateries from selling high-sugar drinks in containers bigger than 16 ounces.